A house with a fireplace increases its value and attractiveness. In this day and age, when winter is approaching, having a fireplace brings many benefits. The fuel used by the fireplace is wood. It is much more economical to use wood to heat the house, than electricity or gas. This can  generate substantial savings to our budget. Another advantage that a fireplace provides is when there is an electrical or gas supply failure. With the wood feeding our fireplace we will not have to worry. Having the fireplace at home requires care and maintenance. Cleaning is necessary to clear the hearth and chimney. Left unattended the soot and ash released from the combustion of wood, will soon get into the house. So we have put together this simple, effective and practical guide, how to clean a chimney

How to clean a chimney

When the fire is in use daily, we clean the chimney at least once a week.

The first thing we do is prepare everything we use in the cleaning, at home we use these implements:

• Brushes, big, small and one wire brush
• Metallic shovel
• Broom with long handle
• Long end with a rag tied at the end
• Spatulas
• Cremor tartare, vinegar, baking soda and water
• Recipient with atomizer and a large container without lid
• Coffee brewing residue
• Toilet bags
• Cap and Lenses

Preparation

Before you start. Layout a plastic or canvas material, large enough, to cover the area around the fireplace. Make sure it is large enough that it catches flying soot, so you do not have to do more work than expected.

When doing this kind of cleaning, wear a strong, long-sleeved shirt. It will protect you from any scratches and help keep most of the soot off you. Put on a cap and glasses, for extra protection. If you have them, neoprene gloves, provide more efficient protection than many other gloves. They tend to be more durable as well. If you don’t have them, a heavy duty pair of workman’s gloves will work.

Take out the out of the fireplace. Half-burnt wood, can be stored to use again.

Cleaning the Fireplace

Throw the residues of the coffee brewing in the ashtray, the lowest part of the chimney. This will help settle the ash and soot. When you start  sweeping it does not raise the particles.

With the small brush, sweep the ashtray clean. Using the metal shovel, lift out the ash, soot and coffee grounds and throw them in the toilet bag.

Continue with the top of the ashtray, which is known as Home. Use the small brush to remove the remains of soot. Use the spatula, to scrape all the walls and areas of the Home. Finish this area by passing the wire brush through the areas with more complicated access.

Secondly with the wire brush, give a good brushing to the throat that connects the fireplace with the pipe of the chimney.

Using the broom, sweep inside the chimney. Using an old sheet or blanket to cover the entrance to the fireplace, will help stop soot drifting into your room. Sweep well, making turns so that all the soot residues come off the chimney walls.

The soot will fall back into the ashtray as you sweep. Empty the ashtray, throwing all the residues into the toilet bags. Use a wire brush to get the ashtray nice and clean.

Now prepare the cleaning liquid.

• 2 liters of water
• add the cream of tartar, baking soda and vinegar.

Fill your spray container with this liquid, and spray all around the chimney.

Let this act for about 30 minutes.

To Finish

To finish the cleaning, use warm water with a cloth. Rub all the areas of the chimney. The close areas can be done by hand. For the chimney, use a broom handle with a cloth tied at the end. When everything is cleaned, wipe down the cleaned areas with a dry cloth.

You are now ready for your next fire.

Knowing how to clean a chimney, makes our fireplace safer and even more enjoyable on those cold winter nights.