Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - Creosote Buildup
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05-20-01, 03:29 PM
I live in a small town in Nevada (population 5,000-) with no chimney sweeps in town (nearest is 250 miles away). What is the best method for removing creosote?
Mike Swearingen
05-20-01, 05:02 PM
You can buy your own metal bristle brush in the shape and size of your flue(s), and the connecting rods (a chimney cleaning kit). Get one specifically for your chimney.
Close off/seal (taped plastic, etc.) your fireplace opening to prevent soot, etc. from clouding out into your home, and clean it from above.
After all of the soot has settled, then you can use a shop vac to clean out the firebox and the ledge above the damper.
If you use it much at all, you should clean it annually.
The Fireplace Safety Rule of Thumb is: "If you can't see the color of the flue liner when shining a light up into the flue, it needs cleaning".
Good Luck!
Mike
Close off/seal (taped plastic, etc.) your fireplace opening to prevent soot, etc. from clouding out into your home, and clean it from above.
After all of the soot has settled, then you can use a shop vac to clean out the firebox and the ledge above the damper.
If you use it much at all, you should clean it annually.
The Fireplace Safety Rule of Thumb is: "If you can't see the color of the flue liner when shining a light up into the flue, it needs cleaning".
Good Luck!
Mike