How to Clean a Fireplace and Chimney

Emily Fazio
·4 min read

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Maintaining your fireplace routinely is critical for safety. The cleaning process doesn't replace the service provided by a professional chimney sweep, but it is great for regular upkeep.

“Dirty chimneys are a risk factor for chimney fires, which can be fed by excessive build-up of the tar-like substance creosote. Blocked chimneys can also contribute to poor indoor air quality while in use; both carbon monoxide and particulate pollution can back up into the house without sufficient exhaust ventilation out the chimney," shares Andy Fox, Filtration and Indoor Air Quality Specialist at 3M. "Hiring a professional chimney sweep is the best approach to ensure a complete, thorough cleaning. But cleaning out the dirt and debris from your fireplace is only the first step."

Continue to hire a professional, especially for an annual inspection, and if you begin to see creosote thickening inside a brick fireplace. Concerned about damage? Contact a fireplace inspector to reduce the likelihood of a chimney fire in a wood-burning fireplace.

What a DIY Fireplace Cleaning Entails

  • Ash and debris removal from the firebox to keep the fireplace clean
    Wiping down surfaces, including the mantel and hearth regularly

  • Cleaning the glass doors or panels of the fireplace

  • Checking the damper to ensure its functionality

  • Light cleaning inside the chimney to remove soot (removing creosote thoroughly requires a professional cleaning)

Gather Supplies:

  • Gloves

  • Safety glasses

  • Dust mask

  • Drop cloths

  • Cotton cloth

  • Dry microfiber cloth

  • Water

  • White vinegar

  • Glass cleaner

  • Chimney brush kit with extension rods

  • Stiff cleaning brush

  • Cordless drill

  • Ladder

  • Vacuum with a HEPA filter

1. Prep the Area

  • Lay drop cloths around the fireplace. This protects the fireplace hearth and surrounding area from falling debris and helps to keep your home clean. Close the damper to prevent soot from entering the room.

2. Assemble the Chimney Brush

  • Follow the directions for the chimney brush kit you own. Put the bendable brush attachment on the end of the extension rods. Attach a cordless drill to the end of the rods.

  • Give it a whirl. As you engage the drill, the brush connectors will spin furiously. This high-speed spinning is what will effectively force the bristle brush to remove loose soot.

3. Start Brushing

  • Use a chimney brush appropriate for your chimney's shape and size. Extension rods make it possible to extend the brush up the chimney.

  • From inside the fireplace, insert the brush into the chimney flue. Move it up and down the chimney liner vigorously to dislodge soot. Repeat several times.

  • You may be able to reach the smoke shelf by hand. If you can, use a stiff-bristled wire brush and feel for buildup. If you can't reach the smoke shelf based on the anatomy of your fireplace, it's a good idea to have your fireplace cleaned by a professional handle your chimney cleanings.

  • If you notice creosote that's thicker than a quarter-inch, schedule a professional chimney cleaning. An annual inspection is important for maintaining your system and preventing chimney fires.

Related: How to Prepare Your Fireplace for Winter

4. Vacuum

  • As you brush, have a shop vacuum running to capture falling brush debris. A vacuum with a HEPA filter is ideal for minimizing dust. Recruiting a cleaning helper who can hold the Shop Vac in position while you generate dust is really helpful.

5. Clean the Damper

  • Clean the fireplace damper using the wire brush, warm water, and a cloth. Make sure all the hinges are clean and in good working order so the damper opens and closes properly.

6. Clean the Firebox

  • Remove ashes and any loose debris.

  • Use a small brush or vacuum to clean inside the fireplace walls. You can use a cloth soaked in a 1:1 mixture of white vinegar and warm water to clean the fireplace brick and mortar. You can also use a soft scrub brush to rub the walls in circular motions.

Related: Click to Remove This Ugly Fireplace Surround

7. Clean the Glass Fireplace Doors

  • Use glass cleaner to remove soot and dust from the inside and outside of your glass doors. A microfiber cloth or paper towel will get the job done without leaving visible streaks.

8. Dispose of Debris

  • Properly dispose of fireplace ash and other debris. Firebox creosote is highly flammable, so place it in a metal container and store it away from combustible materials.

  • Check local guidelines for recommendations on disposal.

Use Creosote Logs for Preventative Maintenance

Creosote logs, also known as chimney cleaning logs, are specialized products that help reduce creosote build-up in chimneys. These logs contain compounds that, when burned, can transform some creosote deposits into less combustible substances or make them easier to remove.

It's often recommended to burn one creosote log every month during your active fireplace season, but always review the directions for better insight based on the product and the conditions of your wood-burning fireplace.

Related: Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips to Keep Your Home Safe

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

A safe home doesn't stop at a clean chimney. Turning your HVAC fan to 'On' can also help to continually circulate and clean the air.

"Burning wood creates fine particles," adds Fox. "It’s important to remember to change out your air filter regularly and have one like the Filtrete™ MPR 1500 that attracts and captures microscopic particles such as smoke, cough and sneeze debris, bacteria and viruses, and large particles, including lint, household dust and pollen.”

Related: Air Filter Maintenance That Really Matters This Season