Chimney Cleaning Instructions

If you can't clean the chimney yourself, there are many professionals eager to do the job.

Regular inspection and cleaning of your chimney is a must. An unclean chimney will increase the likelihood of a chimney fire, which can then spread to the rest of your house. Also, a dirty chimney will not allow the fire in your fireplace or furnace to properly burn and create sufficient heat. In order to keep your chimney in the best shape possible, you should inspect it for creosote and soot buildup at least once a year, according to the University of Missouri-Columbia Extension. Of course, it'd be even better to take a look every few weeks or months.

Things You'll Need

• Chimney brush (proper size for your chimney) Extension rods Ladder Drop cloths Masking tape High-power flashlight Bucket Small brush

Instructions

1. Remove the flue on the fireplace or furnace if at all possible. If you have an open fireplace, close it off with a drop cloth and masking tape. If you have a furnace with a stovepipe leading to the chimney, make sure all the doors on the furnace are closed.

2. Place drop cloths around the furnace or fireplace. Also, shut any nearby doors or windows in order to prevent a draft.

3. Gather your flashlight, chimney brush and extension rods and set up your ladder. Carry as much of your equipment as you can safely handle to the roof. Make a few trips if necessary.

4. Attach the chimney brush to your extension rod. Make sure the rod is long enough to reach the entire length of the chimney. Connect several rods together if you must.

5. Place the brush into the top of the chimney and push it down. The technique you use is up to you. You can run the brush the entire length of the chimney, making several passes, or you can work on one segment at a time using a short, scrubbing motion.

6. Remove the brush and extension rods from the chimney and shine your flashlight down the opening. If the chimney looks clean, you can gather your tools and descend. If it looks dirty, go ahead and continue scrubbing with your brush until you’re satisfied.

7. Remove the drop cloth and masking tape from the fireplace. If you have a furnace with a stovepipe leading to the chimney, carefully remove the stovepipe. Use a small brush to clean the debris out of the bottom of the chimney and place it in a bucket. You can discard it later. If you have a stovepipe, inspect it for soot as well and clean it with your chimney brush. If the pipe is badly corroded or damaged, simply purchase a new section of replacement pipe.

References

• University of Missouri-Columbia Extension: Cleaning Stovepipes and Chimneys
• University of Idaho Cooperative Extension System: The Creosote Problem: Chimney Fires and Chimney Cleaning
• Repair Home: How to Clean a Chimney