The Log Rack
How to Clean Your Chimney
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Springtime chimney cleaning is very important. A through cleaning is recommended after a long winter
of burning fires. The initial cost of purchasing a brush and the rods for cleaning your chimney can be
in the $100 - $150 range depending on the size of your flue and the height of your chimney. Many
times a chimney sweep can charge up to $100 to clean your chimney depending on the height and
how dirty it is. Once you’ve purchased the brush and rods the rest of your chimney sweeping only
requires some elbow grease instead of paying for a cleaning. If you want to share the cost see if a
neighbor might want to split it with you. Cleaning your chimney isn’t difficult; the hardest part of the job
is getting out the ladder. Once you’ve dug the ladder out of the garage you’re well on your way. Don’t
forget to take a tape measure, pen and paper up there with you, (there’s nothing worse than getting
back on the ground and forgetting what the dimensions were). Now that you’re on the roof if you have
a chimney cap remove it. Some chimney caps can easily be removed by loosening 4 thumb screws at
the base. Some chimney caps are permanently mounted and the screws are on the lid.
Next measure the inside of your flue tiles and write it down. Take a good look at your chimney while
you’re up there. Creosote will tend to be the heaviest at the top of the chimney were it starts to cool
during the burning process. If there appears to be little or no creosote buildup just black soot a wire
brush will work fine. If the creosote is really thick you may want to consider a flat wire brush that will
give you more surface contact.
Always use the bush that is the same size and the flue tiles. If the brush is too small you won’t make
surface contact or if too large you will jam the brush and bend the bristles. Next determine the total
height of your chimney, from smoke chamber to the top. If it is a one story home the chimney would
average 15’, two story around 25’. Chimney brush rods are available in 3’ 4’ 5’ and 6’ sections that
screw together. Chimney brush rods are made of fiberglass and are very flexible; they can bend 90
degrees or more. This allows for cleaning any bends in your chimney.
When selecting a chimney brush you will be amazed at the differences and cost. The double spiral
brush contains more bristles which will give you more surface contact. This is great for moderately
cleaning the soot. A single spiral brush with fewer wires is great for the quick sweep when there is just
a light dusting of soot. The flat wire brush is best for the heavy jobs. If you have a metal chimney or
your chimney has been relined a poly brush is recommended for cleaning. A poly brush will not scratch
the inside or your pipe.
It is important to clean your chimney even if it is only a light coating of soot for two reasons. Smoke
from a burning fire tends to curl as it makes the way up your chimney. Smoke takes the path of least
resistance. Even the slightest amount of soot can cause the smoke to roll back down your chimney.
The second reason is during the spring even if you have a chimney cap rain can still get into the flue.
As the rain drips down the sides of your flue tiles it picks up the creosote and brings the smell into your
home.
Before you start cleaning make sure all the rods are screwed together tightly, there is nothing worse
than having them come apart during the cleaning. Cover your fireplace opening with a plastic sheet,
even if you have glass doors cove the opening. Glass doors can still have gaps between the glass etc
and soot can bellow out while cleaning. Your wife won’t yell at you later when she sees all the soot in
her living room! The chimney brush you purchased will be slightly larger than your flue tiles and it is
designed that way. The best way to clean the chimney is a foot at a time. Push the rod a foot down the
chimney at a time, and then allow it to spring back up. Repeat this process down the entire chimney.
The springing action takes less effort on your part and really gives the flue a through cleaning.
When you are finished cleaning put the cap back on the chimney. If you have the kind where the
pressure screws are on the flue tile just make them snug DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN THEM. If you make
them too tight you can crack the flue tiles and are looking at a major expense to replace them. Just
make sure the cap is on secure enough for that sudden wind that can blow it off.
Slowly remove the plastic sheet from the opening of the fireplace. Then vacuum the inside getting all
the soot and dust. Use a shop vacuum with a fine filter so the dust won’t get into your home.
There are no warnings on the chimney brush for its uses. But as a word of caution NEVER CLEAN
THE CHIMNEY WHILE THERE IS A FIRE OR HOT COALS IN THE FIREBOX! I have heard of people
doing this.
Enjoy your fireplace and the peace of mind of a clean chimney!
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Selecting a Round Chimney Brush
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Selecting a Square Chimney Brush
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Selecting a Rectangular Chimney Brush
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Selecting a Oval Chimney Brush
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Selecting a Pellet Stove Brush
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Selecting a Chimney Brush Rod
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