If you are wondering how often should you sweep your chimney, then read this article to get a detailed answer and learn some of the best ways to do it. You should clean your chimney at least once in two to three months for safety reasons since grease and dirt buildup increases the risk of fire.
You can sweep your own chimney easily if you clean it on a regular basis and there isn’t a lot of build, however, it is advised that you take professional help to examine your chimney once a year to prevent any damage.
We know it is not a simple task and requires more effort but you should add it to your cleaning list right away!
How often should you sweep your chimney?
When it comes to sweeping the chimney, the first question that comes to mind is how do I know if my chimney needs cleaning? Well, the answer is simple, you will start detecting bad smells coming out of your fireplace. Moreover, it would be difficult for you to start a fire and the smoke will be filled in the room even if the flue is opened.
Additionally, when you start observing that the fireplace damper is turning black which is caused by creosote buildup then it is time that you start sweeping your own chimney.
The oil marks on the walls of the fireplace also indicate that your chimney requires cleaning. If you clean it once in 2 – 3 months, you will be able to sweep it fast and more effectively.
It is also essential that you call a professional for checking your chimney annually to avoid any risks of fire which could lead to burning the whole house.
If your chimney is missing a cap or crown then get it immediately as it helps in preventing debris. Now that you know how often chimney sweeping should be done, keep reading to know how you can do it.
Tools required to Sweep the Chimney:
Source: Verticalchimney.com
The tools required to sweep your own chimney depend on the method of cleaning you select, you need to examine your chimney’s condition first in order to get the idea of buying the right kind of tools. However, here is a basic must-have tools list:
- Tape.
- Brush.
- Mirror.
- Broom.
- Bucket.
- Flashlight.
- Ladder (might be required).
- Covering for your fireplace and furniture.
- Vacuum.
- Rope/Pull strings.
- Mask.
- Goggles.
Source: Verticalchimney.com
As we mentioned above that you need to know all about the design of your chimney so that you can clean it properly with the right tools.
It is because the chimney brushes come in various sizes and styles (round, rectangle, and square), so buy the one that suits best for your chimney.
4 Best Ways to Sweep Chimney:
Source: Tophatchimneyalabama.com
You must have a clear idea of how often should you sweep your chimney, to do so, you must be informed of your possibilities. Some of the top methods for cleaning chimneys are listed below:
Rod Method, Top Down:
By choosing this method, you will require a brush that you will insert from the top of your chimney to clean its walls. With the help of a metal rod to which the brush is connected, you can easily sweep your chimney by extending or reducing its length.
This one is the most common and easiest method which is preferable because the chances of cleaning mess are less and you won’t have to clean up your whole house after sweeping the chimney.
Rod Method, Bottom Up:
If you don’t want to go up to your chimney’s opening to clean it then don’t worry, you can do it from the bottom as well. By choosing this method, you will be required to cover the surrounding furniture in order to avoid mess.
Weight Method:
Source: Contentgrid.homedepot-static.com
This method requires more effort and tools, it uses weight, pull strings, and ropes to clean the chimney. Assemble all these things and attach the brush to sweep the walls by raising and lowering them.
The weight should be around 20 to 25 pounds for proper working of this method. It is similar to the first method but a little bit more tricky.
Dual Line Method:
If you are choosing this method to sweep your chimney then make sure that you have someone else with you as it cannot be done alone. One person stays at the top and one person stays down at the fireplace. Now take a rope and attach it to both sides of the brush.
The person at the top should hold it while the other one present at the fireplace holds the other end of the rope. They both will pull the rope one by one and the brush will sweep the walls of the chimney. This method is difficult and requires more effort, you cannot do this alone so the above methods might work best for you.
DIY methods to sweep Chimney:
Source: Lowes.com
You can clean your Chimney with the cleaning materials available in your home kitchen, read about them below:
By using Vinegar:
White vinegar can be used to thoroughly sweep your own chimney because it works as a cleaning agent as well. Soak a cloth in vinegar and swab the chimney with it, if you add baking soda along with it, this will give the best results. Leave the vinegar for a while on the walls and then use clean water for a final wipe.
Clean with a dishwashing liquid:
How often chimney sweeping should be done also depends on its usage and the ways you use to clean it. You have a dishwashing liquid in your kitchen all the time so try to clean your chimney with it regularly to avoid build-up. The chemicals in it will effectively remove the grease and oil. Use hot water to clean it afterward.
By using Paint Thinners:
Do you know that paint thinners work best as a cleaning agent? That’s right and with the help of them, you can keep your chimney clean and free of grease and oil. We advise you to clean the greasy areas with them only since they contain organic solvents that you might find irritating to breathe in.
Wrapping Up:
We hope that you found the details we shared regarding how often should you sweep your chimney and the effective methods useful. To avoid fire hazards, try to keep it clean with the help of any of the methods shared above. Do not forget to take professional help once a year for the inspection of your chimney.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I know if my chimney needs sweeping?
You will start detecting bad smells and the smoke will start filling your home. You will also observe the oily marks on the walls and the black damper. If these things are happening, know that it’s time to clean it.
How are chimneys swept?
Depending on the method of cleaning the chimney, you will buy the required tools like brushes, metal rods, etc to sweep the walls. Sweep all the parts of your chimney such as the chimney liner, chimney cap, smoke chamber, damper, etc.
