How Do You Clean Out A Fireplace And Chimney?
A clean fireplace and chimney is your best defense against a dangerous chimney fire. Buy a set of chimney rods and brushes at the hardware store. Change into old clothes and don safety goggles and a dust mask. Lay out a clean tarp in front of the fireplace. Cover the fireplace opening with a plastic tarp held on with duct tape. Open the fireplace’s damper. This is the metal door up inside the fireplace, located just above the firebox; it prevents cold air from entering your home when you don’t have a fire burning. Carefully climb up on your roof, taking the rods and brushes with you. Remove the chimney cap – sometimes called a spark arrestor – and check it for weather damage. The purpose of the chimney cap is to keep sparks from escaping your chimney. It also serves to keep out rain, small animals and debris. Assemble the chimney rods and brushes according to the equipment manufacturer’s directions. Run the brush down the chimney, using a short up-and-down plunging motion. Some brushes
