* Simple products to keep your chimney clean
* Prevent flare-ups and excess build-ups
* DIY and save money
The National Fire Protection Association recommends having your chimney cleaned professionally once a year. And if you have fireplaces or wood stoves, you want to clean them more than 30 times a year. This can help prevent the build-up of creosote, which can cause flare-ups and combustible residue. But, you don’t want to order a pro all 30-plus times. Here are some inexpensive and effective ways to DIY care for your chimney in between your professional annual cleanings.
1. Midwest Hearth Poly Chimney Cleaning Brush
These sturdy poly brushes are great for those who have a metal chimney flue as they won’t scratch while still providing a thorough cleaning. Attach the brush to the end of an extender wand to reach deep inside the flue and easily remove soot build up. This six-inch round brush will fit a six-inch round flue.
2. MEECO’S RED DEVIL 25 Creosote Destroyer
This product works by breaking down and destroying the binder which holds creosote together. That makes it easier for a brush to remove the residue. It only takes about two tablespoons sprinkled on a hot fire to destroy any existing creosote formations. This generous two-pound tub will last a long time and when used correctly will help cut down the smoking of wood stoves.
3. Midwest Hearth 6” Round Wire Chimney Cleaning Brush
This is the perfect six-inch round wire brush to clean masonry flues. The stiff steel bristles in combination with the heavy duty galvanized stem can be attached to an extender rod to reach all the places soot may hide leaving your chimney free from dangerous debris.
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4. Gardus SootEater Rotary Chimney Cleaning System
For those of you who don’t like the idea of climbing up a ladder, especially when frigid air is blowing, this is the chimney cleaner for you. Simply attach this whip to the end of any drill and insert it through the bottom of your chimney. Then turn on your drill and spin all that soot away. It will spin in forward and reverse for extra cleaning ability and it’s quicker than dragging out the ladder. Afterwards, expect your chimney to work perfectly.
5. PowerSmith Ash Vacuum
Say ‘goodbye’ to ash blowing into your rooms and extend the life of your stove with this washable, reusable, and fire safe ash vacuum. The filtration system is specially designed to clean warm and cool ash out of fireplaces, so you can make quick and quiet work of cleanups. The generous canister holds about three fireplaces’ worth of debris. You may wind up slapping your forehead wondering why you didn’t get one of these sooner.