Chimney Top Cover Fireplace Damper
  • Home
  • Product Details
    • Order a Standard Size
    • Chimney top cover features
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Chimney Cover Installation
    • Pricing
  • Custom Installations
    • Get a Custom Quote
    • Custom Examples
    • Shane Poe chimney top
  • Blog

DIY Chimney Cleaning

9/4/2015

8 Comments

 
Regular chimney cleaning is an important step in regular chimney maintenance and in the prevention of chimney fires. Without proper cleaning, creosote, a black flammable substance, can build up inside your chimney and cause deterioration or even catch fire.  Many people hire a chimney sweep to clean their chimney. It is a job that needs to be done right. However, if you’d like to clean your own chimney, here’s how to do it.

First, you’ll need the right tools. Measure your chimney flue, and purchase a brush that most closely matches its size and shape. You can find brushes at Lowes, Amazon.com, and specialized online chimney stores. They are usually between $20-50, depending on brand and size. You’ll also need chimney brush rods, enough lengths to reach the bottom of your chimney from the top. They are usually about 3 to 4 feet long and about $8 each. You’ll also need something to cover your fireplace opening to trap debris. If you have glass doors, close them. A garbage sack or sheet of plastic and some tape can help seal out debris as well if needed. You’ll probably want something to cover furniture and carpet near the fireplace just in case. An old sheet or tarp will take care of any unwanted mess.

Now that you have everything prepped, it’s time to get started. Remove your chimney cap if necessary, or any damper that blocks access to the chimney flue. Push the brush down through the chimney, scrubbing vigorously in small sections as you move down through the chimney.

As you get to the end of your first rod, attach another rod and keep moving down through the chimney. Repeat this process until you get to the bottom.

When the brush has reached the bottom of the chimney, begin working your way back up, pushing and pulling the brush, scrubbing vigorously to clean the inside of the chimney liner. Once you reach the top, begin going back down through the entire chimney again, until it is well scrubbed.  It may take several passes. Be sure to wear safety glasses to avoid getting debris in your eyes as the brush comes out the top of the chimney.

Once you feel the chimney has been well scrubbed, take a flashlight and inspect it. Look down the chimney carefully to make sure there are no more deposits of creosote. If there are any deposits left, use the brush again to remove them.

After the chimney has been thoroughly cleaned, go inside to the fireplace and with a shop vacuum, carefully vacuum up the debris. Be sure furniture and carpets are covered to prevent soiling. Vacuum or sweep the fireplace box until it is nice and clean.

If you discover you have extensive creosote deposits that are not easily removed with a brush, you may need to hire a chimney sweep to remove them. Black, shiny creosote deposits called glaze creosote may need to be removed using specialized chemicals. Call your local chimney sweep for removal of stubborn glaze creosote buildup. 

Thanks to Corey Binford for his step by step video on Chimney Cleaning 101. You can watch this video on YouTube. 
8 Comments
Brittany Roberts link
11/9/2015 07:41:17 am

Thanks for the useful post. We are about to finish wit our home's fall cleaning and maintenance and the one thing left is the chimney to be cleaned. Next week my husband and I are going to clean the fireplace and the chimney and your post gave us a bunch of good ideas how to handle with this. Thank you for sharing!

Reply
Chimney Contractor Victoria BC link
1/27/2017 03:07:11 am

These tips are very useful to chimney cleaning. To keep your chimney in good, safe working order then it is important that it is regularly cleaned and maintained.

Reply
www.restorationspecialists.co.nz link
2/16/2021 05:41:28 am

Basically here I have found wonderful methods on restoration thoughts and updates as well, we can not wait follow the site for great water damage restoration with us.

Reply
local commercial cleaning link
6/9/2022 05:41:59 am

Cleaning your kitchen chimney is a time-consuming and challenging process. The majority of our Indian cuisine uses a lot of spices and oils, resulting in a lot of smoke. The oil and grease from the smoke can get caught between the filters, reducing the chimney's effectiveness. If your filters aren't cleaned, grease/oil drips from the filters might fall onto the stove's open flame, causing a fire. It might potentially contaminate the meal that you're preparing. As a result, regular chimney cleaning is required. Hiring a professional cleaning service does not have to be expensive.

Reply
Duct Cleaning Portland Pro link
12/8/2022 03:51:16 am

Very helpful advice within this post! Cleaning the chimney DIY or hiring a professional makes sure a good job is done. It gives you peace of mind that your home and the people inside it are safe. And also can save you from bigger, costlier repairs in the future.

Reply
Joy link
7/20/2023 11:23:29 pm

Much appreciate your blog post

Reply
Shane's Chimney Care link
12/2/2024 11:43:02 pm

Excellent tips on DIY chimney cleaning! While cleaning your chimney yourself is possible, it's important to remember that some tasks—like dealing with heavy creosote buildup—require professional expertise. At Shane’s Chimney Care, our experienced chimney sweep services in Abilene, TX, can ensure a thorough and safe cleaning, especially when it comes to stubborn creosote deposits. If you notice black, shiny creosote (glaze creosote) that’s difficult to remove, it’s best to call in a professional to avoid potential chimney damage or fire hazards. For a comprehensive inspection and cleaning, Shane’s Chimney Care is here to keep your chimney safe and functioning properly. Reach out to us for expert chimney services!

Reply
Sixpenny Chimney Sweeps link
12/29/2024 10:18:54 pm

Thank you for the detailed guide on DIY chimney cleaning! While attempting chimney maintenance on your own can be a reasonable approach for some, it’s crucial to remember that chimney cleaning is best performed by a professional. As a chimney sweep based in Woodbridge, VA, Sixpenny Chimney Sweeps highlights the importance of expert service to ensure your fireplace operates safely and efficiently.

Creosote buildup is a significant concern, and even minor accumulations can lead to dangerous chimney fires. While DIY cleaning may help with light buildup, more stubborn creosote or other issues like blockages require the expertise of a professional. Sixpenny Chimney Sweeps specializes in comprehensive chimney inspections and cleanings to ensure your fireplace is both safe and fully functional.

For residents in Woodbridge, we highly recommend scheduling an annual inspection and cleaning to prevent hazards and maintain your chimney’s longevity. Contact Sixpenny Chimney Sweeps for expert chimney care and peace of mind.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    See Our Work

    An All Season Control Cover in action speaks for itself. See how our product solves many types of chimney and fireplace issues.

    Archives

    September 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    November 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014

    Categories

    All
    Awards
    Custom Installations
    Green Fireplaces
    News
    Standard Installations
    Woodburning Tips

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
Photos from Russell Lee Photography, W10002
  • Home
  • Product Details
    • Order a Standard Size
    • Chimney top cover features
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Chimney Cover Installation
    • Pricing
  • Custom Installations
    • Get a Custom Quote
    • Custom Examples
    • Shane Poe chimney top
  • Blog