How to Clean Creosote

Burning wood can cause creosote to build up on the chimney.

Fireplaces are relaxing and enjoyable, but they are not very clean. When wood is burned, it produces smoke and ash, which can build up as creosote on the inside of the chimney. Creosote is oily and difficult to remove. If it builds up on the chimney, it can reduce the draft and cause more smoke to enter the room. Creosote can also catch on fire, so it should be removed regularly.

Things You'll Need

• Ladder
• Measuring tape
• Fireplace brush
• Plastic wrap
• Tape
• Fireplace cover
• Vacuum cleaner
• Brush

Instructions

1. Obtain a fireplace brush with the correct diameter for your chimney. If your chimney is round, measure the inside diameter with a tape measure to get the proper size. If your chimney is square or rectangular, measure the inside length and width.

2. Close and seal your fireplace to stop creosote and ash from falling into your home when you clean. Close the fireplace door and flue to isolate the fireplace from the house. If your fireplace does not have glass doors, place a fireplace cover over the fireplace or tape plastic wrap over the front of the fireplace.

3. Climb up on the roof using a step or extension ladder. Set the ladder up on stable ground so that it angles in 1 foot for every 4 feet it rises. For example, if the ladder is balanced against the house 20 feet up, the base of the ladder should be 5 feet from the house.

4. Attach the brush to a flexible rod and lower it down the chimney. You may have to attach multiple rods together with adapters if your chimney is long.

5. Pull the brush all the way up the chimney and push it back down four times, then remove it. Shine a flashlight down the chimney and look for creosote. The walls should have not have a black, oily coating on them. If they do, repeat this step until they are clean.

6. Vacuum or sweep out the inside of the fireplace. Clean ash, creosote and other debris out from the grate, the area behind damper and the floor of the fireplace.

Tips & Warnings

• Inspect your ladder before using it to make sure it has no damaged or broken rungs or other parts. Never use a damaged ladder.

References

• Nortline Express: How to Clean Your Fireplace Chimney
• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons