How to Clean a Chimney

Because fuel constantly burns in a fireplace, creosote and soot accumulate as residue on the chimney's walls. Creosote catches fire easily, blocking a chimney's passageway; this substance can cause house fires if not cleaned out. Moreover, creosote has carcinogenic properties too.

For all these reasons, cleaning a chimney is absolutely crucial. Ideally, a chimney must be cleaned when one-eighth of an inch of creosote is noticed. This would be an important point to take into consideration, for the safety of those who dwell in a home.

Before you begin, you must gather the necessary equipment needed to handle this job. These include: Cleaning brushes with stiff bristles, extension poles or ropes, vacuum cleaner, broom, dust pan, ladder, flashlight, old newspaper, rubber gloves, goggles, overalls, and a drop cloth. The step-by-step instructions of how to perform this task, are as follows.

Preparation
The work area needs to be covered with tarp or a similar material, so that dirt and debris from the chimney don't settle on the floor. Place old newspapers (as an alternative) around the area (3-4 ft wide) near the fireplace opening. Spray a little water on the drop cloth to make it damp, and drape it well over the mouth of the fireplace. Fine particles of soot and creosote will attach themselves to the damp cloth, once released.

Cleaning from the Top
You'll have to go up to the rooftop, using the ladder. If the chimney has a cover, it should be removed and cleaned with the chimney brush, before being placed to one side . Tie the cleaning brush with the rope, and lower it into the chimney opening; move it down the length of the chimney so that the soot and creosote loosen up.

Aim the flashlight into the chimney to check if you missed a spot or two. Repeat the brushing process if you can still see accumulated gunk.

Cleaning from the Bottom
The cleaning brush can be directly inserted into the mouth of the fireplace. This task is messier than cleaning it from the top. Remove the drop cloth covering the fireplace opening, and use a cleaning brush to release the accumulated matter.

Insert the cleaning brush into the chimney and scrub the insides as far as your hands can reach. Scrub the back of the damper or metal door inside the fireplace, to clean out the creosote buildup. Gather the ashes and creosote with the broom and dust pan. Finally, go to the basement of the chimney, and vacuum the area thoroughly.

The ash and debris can cause irritation to the eyes and skin, and even affect your respiratory health. If you think that the task is not possible to perform on your own, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Cleaning costs depend on the region where your house is located, amount of work that needs to be done, and number of chimneys present. With adequate research, you'll be able to find someone that can assist you.