How to Clean Chimney Sweeps

Keep your chimney sweep clean during the off-season.

Your chimney sweep, or brush, is meant to get dirty. For most of the season, your chimney sweep can tolerate creosote, soot, and any other debris it may pick up while doing its job. But once the burning season is over, it is a good idea to clean your chimney sweep thoroughly before storing it. Removing the dirt and caring for the metal underneath will extend the life of your chimney sweep.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Liquid dish detergent
• Vinegar
• 0000 grade steel wool
• Rust protectant

Instructions

1. Fill a bucket with 1 gallon of water, 1 tablespoon of liquid dish detergent, and 1 cup of vinegar.

2. Place the bristled end of the chimney sweep in the solution, and let it soak for five minutes.

3. Rub the chimney sweep clean with a piece of 0000 grade steel wool soaked in the soapy solution. Wipe each individual bristle down its length first, then scrub the handle. If necessary, repeat the process with clean soap solution.

4. Rinse the chimney sweep clean with running water.

5. Allow the sweep to air-dry.

6. Spray the bristles and metal handle of the chimney sweep brush with a rust protectant. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application methods and amounts.

References

• NorthlineExpress.com: How to Clean a Chimney
• "Clean It Fast, Clean It Right"; Jeff Bredenberg; 1999