Introduction: To safeguard against hazardous creosote fires, it is crucial to perform routine cleaning using a shop vacuum and conventional chimney cleaning equipment. Before embarking on the task, familiarize yourself with the following essential information.

Necessary Tools:

• Drop cloth

• Dust mask

• Flashlight

• Flue liner brush

• Long-handled brush

• Noodle brush

• Safety glasses

• Safety harness

• Shop vacuum

Required Materials:

• Duct tape

• Poly sheeting

FIRST THOUGHTS

If you utilize your fireplace or woodstove frequently and cannot recall the last time your chimney underwent cleaning, it is likely overdue for maintenance. In numerous instances, you can take on the task yourself, saving a considerable sum of money.

Eliminating regular chimney soot is relatively straightforward. However, if there is a substantial accumulation of creosote, it is advisable to enlist the services of a professional. We will guide you through the process of inspecting your chimney to determine whether it qualifies as a do-it-yourself (DIY) endeavor. If it does meet the criteria, simply follow these steps. Otherwise, it is recommended to hire a professional chimney sweep.

Is Fireplace Cleaning a Do-It-Yourself Job?

Determining whether fireplace cleaning is a do-it-yourself (DIY) job depends on the specific circumstances and level of expertise. While regular maintenance tasks like removing soot and ashes can often be handled by homeowners, certain situations may require professional assistance.

If your fireplace has moderate levels of soot buildup and creosote deposits, you can likely tackle the cleaning process yourself by following proper safety guidelines and using appropriate tools. However, if there is a heavy accumulation of creosote, structural issues with the chimney, or if you are uncertain about the condition of your fireplace, it is advisable to hire a certified chimney sweep.

It's important to prioritize safety when dealing with fireplaces, as creosote can be highly flammable, and improper cleaning techniques may pose a fire hazard. If you have any doubts or concerns about your ability to safely clean the fireplace, it is best to seek professional assistance to ensure the task is carried out correctly and securely

Chimney fires pose a severe risk to homes and can result in devastating consequences. Although creosote buildup may appear harmless, it can ignite at a mere 451 degrees Fahrenheit (233 degrees Celsius). Once ignited, it rapidly expands similar to foam sealant. In less than a minute, temperatures can exceed 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit (1,093 degrees Celsius), engulfing the entire chimney and potentially causing extensive damage to your home.

Even if you diligently clean your chimney on a regular basis, it is still essential to have it professionally inspected by a qualified chimney sweep at least once a year. Professional chimney sweeps possess the expertise to identify signs of chimney deterioration and ventilation issues, allowing them to assess the overall condition of your fireplace chimney.

Burning green wood produces more smoke and unburned particles, which accumulate as creosote and soot within the chimney. On the other hand, dry hardwoods like oak and birch burn hotter and cleaner. If you predominantly burn these types of woods, consider having your fireplace chimney cleaned or inspected every 70 burns.  In either case it is recommended to have your chimney cleaned and inspected at least once every year before winter.

By prioritizing regular cleaning, inspections, and using appropriate burning materials, you can significantly reduce the risk of chimney fires and ensure the safety of your home.

Step #1    

How To Tell If Your Fireplace Chimney Needs Cleaning

To quickly determine if your chimney requires cleaning, you can perform a simple test. Take the pointed end of your fireplace poker and run it along the inside of your chimney liner. If you discover a layer of buildup that measures 1/8 inch or thicker (approximately the thickness of a nickel), it is advisable to contact a chimney sweep for professional cleaning.

Chimney sweeps encounter a significant number of chimney fires annually, often around 40 to 50 cases. Unfortunately, more than half of the chimneys they service require additional cleaning due to homeowners waiting too long before seeking assistance. In severe situations, the accumulated buildup may necessitate special tools or chemicals for effective cleaning.

When you hire a professional chimney sweep for cleaning, their service typically includes a comprehensive visual inspection. They will examine the chimney for soot accumulation, any obstructions, cracks in the chimney liner if easily accessible and indications of water damage. Older chimneys, in particular, may exhibit gaps between sections of the clay liner where the mortar has deteriorated or fallen out. The inspection allows the sweep to identify potential issues and provide appropriate recommendations for maintenance or repairs.

Step #2    

Do an Inspection

Before proceeding with the cleaning process, ensure your safety by wearing goggles and a respirator to protect your eyes and respiratory system. Begin by clearing out the ashes from the firebox and removing the grate. Open a door or window and allow a few minutes for the pressures to equalize. Subsequently, open the damper and wait a few more minutes to allow the heat to rise from the house.

Equip yourself with a bright flashlight and a fireplace poker and lean into the firebox. Direct the light into the smoke chamber and flue, using the poker to gently scratch the surface. If the soot appears matte black and the scratch measures 1/8 inch deep or less, it indicates a manageable buildup that can be handled as a DIY job. However, if the accumulation is deeper or exhibits a shiny, tar-like appearance, it signifies heavy creosote buildup. In such cases, it is imperative to cease using the fireplace immediately and contact a professional chimney sweep for assistance.

Recognizing the severity of creosote buildup and taking prompt action by engaging a professional chimney sweep will help ensure the safety of your home and prevent potential chimney fires.

Step #3    

To minimize the mess and protect your interior during the chimney cleaning process, follow these steps: 

1. Lay a canvas tarp over the hearth, ensuring it extends into the room to catch any debris or soot that may fall.

2. Tape poly sheeting securely over the fireplace opening, covering it completely. This will help contain dust and prevent it from spreading into the room.

3. Insert the hose of a shop vacuum through an opening in the poly sheeting, making sure it reaches the fireplace area.

4. Seal all edges and gaps with duct tape to create a tight seal, preventing dust or debris from escaping.

As a beginner by implementing these extra precautions, you can effectively contain the mess and protect your interior from the potential debris and dust generated during the chimney cleaning process.

Step #4   

 To ensure proper ventilation and prevent soot from re-entering your home, follow these steps:

1. Obtain additional sections of vacuum hose to lengthen the hose of your shop vacuum.

2. Connect the extended vacuum hose to your shop vacuum, positioning the vacuum itself outside your home.

3. While performing the chimney cleaning, run the shop vacuum continuously to capture the dust and debris.

4. Keep an eye on the vacuum filter and replace it promptly if it becomes clogged. This will maintain optimal suction power and prevent the fine soot from being blown out through the exhaust port.

5. Before you begin brushing the chimney, take precautions to safeguard your home's interior from soot. Use poly sheeting, a canvas tarp, and a shop vacuum to create a protective barrier.

6. Close all doors and windows on the side of your house where the chimney is located. This prevents any soot that may escape from re-entering your home.

By venting the shop vacuum to the outdoors and taking steps to minimize soot exposure within your home, you can effectively maintain a clean and safe environment during the chimney cleaning process.

RECAP

Here is the step-by-step process to clean the fireplace chimney

1. Begin by ramming the cleaning brush up and down several times in a small section of the flue. This motion helps remove chimney soot efficiently.

2. Use a bright flashlight to inspect the cleaned section of the flue and ensure that the soot has been adequately removed before moving on to the next section.

3. Start the shop vacuum and initiate the fireplace cleaning process at the top of the chimney.

4. Gradually add rods to the brush and continue moving down the fireplace chimney. Keep brushing until you no longer encounter resistance from the brush. This indicates that you have reached the smoke chamber.

5. Once you've reached the smoke chamber, it's time to descend from the roof and transition to working from inside the firebox.

6. Peel back a small portion of the poly sheeting that was previously taped over the fireplace opening. Utilize a long-handled brush to clean the smoke chamber thoroughly.

7. Switch to a noodle brush to remove all the soot from the smoke shelf, ensuring a comprehensive cleaning.

8. Return to the long-handled brush to clean the sides of the firebox, eliminating any remaining debris or buildup.

9. Complete the cleaning process by vacuuming the entire firebox, ensuring that all the loose soot and debris are effectively removed.

10. Fold up the poly sheeting and canvas tarp that were used to protect the interior, and take them outside. Shake them out and store them for future use during fireplace chimney cleaning.

By following these steps, you can successfully clean your fireplace chimney and maintain a safe and well-functioning system.