Chimney Flue Cleaning Instructions
All chimneys require a periodic cleaning to ensure they can operate safely. Cleaning the flue is of the utmost importance because soot can build up on the inside and cause a fire in the home. This is something that you can easily do yourself by following a few simple instructions.
Equipment Needed
- Chimney brush
- Chimney brush rod
- Protective covering for furniture and floor
- Tape
- Metal bucket
- Broom and small shovel
- Vacuum cleaner
- Powerful flashlight
Chimney Flue Cleaning Instructions
- Extinguish the fire in the fireplace before attempting to clean.
- Seal off the opening of the fireplace to prevent soot from entering into the house by using a fireplace cover if you have one available. If not, use some plastic or old covering and secure it with tape.
- Attach the chimney brush securely to the brush rod.
- Set up a sturdy ladder on the outside of the house near the chimney. This is used to gain access to the roof.
- Lower the brush into the top of the chimney. If it is not long enough to reach the flue you will need to add another rod.
- Move the brush up and down several times in the chimney. This is done to loosen the soot that has built up on the chimney walls. You will hear the debris falling to the chimney floor.
- Continue brushing until you do not hear any debris falling.
- Shine the flashlight down the chimney to make sure the flue is clean.
- Use the broom and shovel to remove the soot and debris from the chimney floor and dispose of it in the metal bucket.
- Use the vacuum cleaner to remove any remaining soot.