Burning fires in a chimney will naturally bring the accumulation of soot and creosote, a flammable, sticky substance. It can cause chimney fires if it’s not removed. When hiring a professional chimney sweep can get expensive, consider to do it yourself by picking up a few tools from the hardware store and cleaning chimney by yourself.
Here are some preparations to clean the chimney. Firstly you need to determine whether the chimney needs to be cleaned. In general, chimneys should be cleaned at least once a year, and more often if you use your fireplace frequently. What you can do is take a flashlight and peer inside the chimney flute. Then, use a pencil or plastic knife to scrape off a bit of the creosote that has accumulated on the side of the chimney. If it’s 1/8-inch thick or thicker, it’s time for a cleaning. It is better to clean the chimney on the dall before burning seasons begin which is during winter.
Secondly ensure the chimney free from animals. Animals such as birds, squirrels, and raccoons like to nest there, especially in the cooler months.
Third is measuring chimney flue. To clean your chimney, you’ll have to use properly-sized tools. Measure the sides of your chimney from the bottom, through the fireplace. You could also climb up a ladder and measure it from the top. It is better to determine the size and shape of the flue, normally it will be either square or round, 6″ or 8.” and determine the height of the chimney as well.
Fourth is purchasing chimney cleaning supplies and these following are required for preparation for cleaning the chimney.
• A chimney brush, either wire or plastic. Use your chimney’s measurements to buy the right size.
• Chimney brush extension pipes, to help you clean the whole length of the chimney. Alternatively, you could buy a weighted rope designed to be used with the chimney brush, or a rope pulley system.
• A smaller stiff wire brush.
• A plastic tarp or drop cloth for use inside your house.
• A ladder tall enough to reach your roof, if you plan to clean your chimney from the top down.
• A broom and dustpan.
• A dust mask and goggles.
Fifth is dress in appropriate clothing. Wear old clothes and sufficient protection such as a bandana, gloves to protect your hands and a dust mask and goggles to prevent soot from getting in your mouth and eyes.
Sixth is prepare your house for the cleaning by drape the drop cloth or tarp around your fireplace, extending it out into your living room several feet, cover furniture with light fabric and roll back expensive rugs.
Lastly, take out the damper from the chimney flue by locating the damper handle inside your chimney, and use the small wire brush to clean it off. Detach it from the chimney and set it aside on the drop cloth, so it won’t obstruct the chimney brush as you proceed with cleaning the chimney.
To Clean the Chimney
To clean the chimney from the Top Down, firstly you require to set up the ladder and climbing to the roof. Making sure that your roof is safe to stand on, and that you’re comfortable doing so. Then, you need to assemble the brush and one section of pipe. Attach the first piece of pipe to the brush. Insert the brush into the chimney. Using up and down motions, begin to scrub the flue clean. Put in another section of pipe to enable you to extend the brush further down the chimney. Continue in this fashion until you’ve cleaned the length of the flue. Some note, if you are using the rope and weight method, attach the weighted rope to the brush. Hold the end of the rope and lower the brush into the chimney. Lift it up and down in a scrubbing motion along the entire length of the flue.
Thirdly is dissembling the brush and extensions, or detach the rope. Place the supplies in your satchel and climb back down the ladder. Then, clean the bottom of the chimney. Use the small wire brush to clean the bottom of the flue that you may have missed with the brush.
In order to finish the cleaning the chimney, there are steps that you can do. First is clean the flue’s entrance. At the very bottom of the chimney, often located in the basement, you should find a small door going into the area under the flue. The creosote and soot will have collected there. Use a small spade to shovel it into a bucket. Reattach the damper handle. Second is use the brush and dustpan to clean up the debris from the fireplace, and then use the brush and dustpan to sweep up debris from the tarp or drop cloth. Next, is dispose of the soot and creosote in accordance with local laws. Since creosote is a flammable substance, it should not be thrown in the trash.
