chimney cleaning tools for chimney cleaning

Creosote is a flammable substance that accumulates on the walls of a chimney. Creosote buildup reduces the draft required by the chimney, which in turn can cause smoke and fumes to be drawn out the door and into the room. Creosote is flammable and can easily fuel a chimney fire. The use of creosote and soot inhibitors is the best way to prevent creosote buildup. However, experts recommend cleaning the chimney once a year to remove debris and prevent fires. Chimneys should also be cleaned regularly to remove ash and soot that accumulates every time a fire burns.

Chimney brushes are the number one tool used by professional chimney cleaners to remove soot and creosote from chimney walls. These brushes come in a variety of sizes. The correct size of the brush is important as it cannot be too small or too large for the size of the chimney. If it’s too big, it can get caught in the chimney, making it difficult to move the brush back and forth. If it’s too small, it won’t put enough pressure on the chimney walls to remove debris. Chimney brushes come in round, square, and rectangular shapes. They have stiff, open bristles that are ideal for scraping down the sides of your fireplace. The brushes are attached to long extension rods that allow the full length of the chimney to be cleaned. Chimney rods are typically three-foot-long sections of fiberglass that can be tied together and then attached to a brush on the end. Both the spiral brushes and the extension rods are for chimney cleaning only and are not suitable for use in the chimney itself. The rods are made to be used from the top of the chimney down and the brushes are larger and have very strong bristles, so they would be difficult to maneuver inside a chimney.

A wire scrape and scrape brush can be used to clean the top of the chimney where the cleaner can get to, as well as to clean the inside of the chimney. This tool removes creosote buildup by scraping it off by hand. This is a good tool to keep near the chimney for occasional scraping of creosote from the inside of the bottom of the chimney, as well as for scraping the damper. A scout brush is a two foot long, polyester bristle brush that is excellent for cleaning the smoke chamber and interior of the chimney. It can also be used in conjunction with brick or mortar cleaners to remove soot. This brush is made to be used on the chimney and would not be useful for cleaning a chimney. A wire brush can get into all the nooks and crannies, whether it’s the chimney or the areas at the top and bottom of the chimney where cleaner can get. It has strong wire bristles that can scrape away creosote. A Millbury brush is specially made for sweeping ash and soot from the firebox floor. It is a little over a foot long and has fine bristles that easily catch debris. This brush is only used for the chimney itself.

Chimney cleaning is critical to burning quality fires. Air needs to be able to circulate throughout the wood and too much soot or too much ash in the firebox prevents air from getting under the wood. Therefore, the fire may take time to burn or not burn at all. A good option is a simple set of chimney tools specially designed to clean just the chimney. A poker, shovel, broom and a pair of flip-flops will come in handy to keep the fireplace free of debris.

The right chimney sweep and fireplace tools are essential to increasing the longevity and enjoyment of your fireplace. A well-made fireplace can last a lifetime if properly cared for. By using chimney rods and brushes to remove creosote, soot and other debris, potential chimney fires can be prevented. Cleaning the top, middle and bottom of the chimney with specially designed tools ensures that the structure remains intact and safe to use.