How to Clean a Chimney for a Wood Burning Stove

One of the most important things to do if you have a wood burning stove is to keep the chimney clean. Creosote and other ash buildup can cause backfires that can blow out the front of the wood burning stove and cause a fire. The best way to prevent this type of catastrophe is yearly chimney cleaning. Before you do this yourself, you may want to contact your local building inspector to find out if there are any fire codes you must conform to and to schedule an inspection once you have finished.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ladder tall enough to get onto your roof
• Chimney cleaning brush
• Gloves
• Standard ash shovel for your wood stove

1. Set the bottom of your ladder in a safe and level place. If you cannot get the ladder settled to your satisfaction, have someone hold it steady while you climb to the roof, taking your chimney cleaning brush with you..

2. Insert the brush into the chimney and push it down as far as it will go, and then pull it up until it is almost out, much like you are brushing your teeth. Repeat this procedure about 24 times. The more vigorously you do this, the cleaner your chimney will become.

3. Come down from the roof.

4. Remove the gunk from your wood strove that has fallen from the chimney. Access the stove from the front, where you add the wood. Try to be neat as you manipulate the ash shovel. Discard the refuse with the rest of your trash.

Tips & Warnings

• Burning well-seasoned, dry hardwoods will help keep your chimney clear and clean.

References

• University of Missouri Extension