How do you know when it's time to clean your chimney? 3 reliable and proven cleaning methods

  • Dec 10, 2020
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There are three options for cleaning the chimney:

1. The first method is mechanical. In this case, you need to arm yourself with a special brush and attach it to a long flexible cable. Also, the structure can be supplemented with a heavy metal ball so that the brush penetrates down the chimney better and faster.

When putting the brush into the pipe, it must be turned to clean the walls of soot. This option is quite simple and common. If there is no access to the pipe, then the mechanical method will not work.

Another disadvantage of this type of cleaning is that after it you need a thorough cleaning, because all the dirt from the chimney pours down. It is recommended to put some container under the chimney, then there will be much less dirt on the floor.

2. The second method is chemical. In this case, special powders and logs are used. They need to be put into the furnace, and then kindle the fire. This option is very effective. When the powders are heated, certain substances begin to be released from them, which soften the soot. As a result, it simply comes out of the chimney into the air.

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Although the method is effective, it is more suitable for preventive purposes. If the chimney is clogged too much, powders will not help. Among the most common chemicals I can highlight "Chimney sweep" and "Kominichek"

3. The third method is folk remedies. True, the effectiveness of using folk methods is low. Sometimes salt and potato skins are used to clean the chimney. Take one kilogram of each component. Initially, the raw material must be thoroughly dried, otherwise it may lower the oven temperature. Using the peel and salt is considered a milder method than using chemicals.

We clean the chimney with potato peel

Also, the heated stove is re-heated with aspen wood, which burns brightly, burning the soot accumulated on the walls of the chimney. But in advanced cases, this option will not live up to expectations. Soot can explode inside the chimney and start a fire.

How to determine if the chimney is heavily clogged:

  • Black or dark gray smoke began to pour out of the chimney.
  • There is a slight carbon monoxide smell in the house.
  • The draft has disappeared in the furnace, it takes more time to kindle, the fire takes a long time to burn.
  • The furnace door has turned black (this may also indicate that the wood is damp).
A chimney that is not cleaned in time can cause a fire

The chimney must be cleaned regularly, since the normal operation of the stove, the health and life of everyone in the house depends on its condition. It is recommended to call specialists for cleaning. If a non-professional gets down to business, it can end in disaster.

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