How to Clean My Stainless Steel Chimney

Chimneys come in many shapes, sizes and finishes. Many chimneys are made from stainless steel, which helps conduct heat well and prevents the buildup of creosote inside the chimney. Still, regular cleaning of your chimney will ensure that it is safe to operate at all times. Should you want to clean the chimney, though, without the help of a professional, it will take a good deal of strength and work.

Things You'll Need

• 6-inch round chimney brush
• 1 flex pole (able to extend at least 20 feet)
• Ladder

Instructions

1. Purchase a 6-inch round chimney cleaning brush. For stainless steel liners, do not use wire brushes--only ones with a polyester-based bristle. Wire brushes may damage the steel liner while cleaning.

2. Climb the ladder up to your roof, and gain solid footing.

3. Attach the brush to the flex pole.

4. Lift up the chimney cap (or remove it if it can be removed completely) and set it aside.

5. Force the brush down the chimney, turning the brush in a circular motion as you force it down. This brush should be very tight in the chimney and will require some force on your end.

6. Continue brushing the entire chimney from top to bottom in circular motions, which should take approximately 10 minutes.

7. Clean the creosote off the brush by washing it with soap and water outdoors, and disposing of the large chunks of creosote properly, as it is very flammable. (Check your local trash disposal laws.)

Tips & Warnings

• The brush will be very tight inside the chimney and will require good arm strength, so make sure you have a firm footing on your roof when doing this yourself. It is highly preferable that you find a way to secure yourself physically, such as with ropes, to the chimney or another fixed point on the roof, so that you do not lose your footing. This work is risky for those who do not have a physical means of support, as well as for those who are not experienced in this type of job.

References

• That Home Site
• Lindemann Chimney