A Step-by-Step Guide to DIY Chimney Cleaning and Maintenance

If you’re considering taking chimney maintenance into your own hands, there are some things you should know before you step foot in all the soot! Here’s a chimney owner’s guide to chimney cleaning in St. Michael, MN.

The Point of Cleaning Your Chimney

Why bother with chimney maintenance at all? It seems obvious that you’d want to keep it clean for the sake of it, but a clean chimney actually facilitates a safer home. 

The residue that builds up in your chimney is extremely flammable. Leaving it alone increases the risk of house fires dramatically, so having a professional chimney cleaning in St. Michael, MN, is vital!

Preparing the Work Area

Whatever you’re doing in your chimney, you should put down a tarp or something to cover your furniture. It will keep you from getting soot or debris all over your belongings while you’re cleaning. This is a good time to set up any cleaning equipment as well. 

Inspect the Chimney

Use a flashlight to look up your chimney and see if there are any blockages. If you spot obstructions, you’ll need to carefully remove them before doing anything else. Do this carefully, or leave it to professionals to handle it.

Clean From the Bottom Up

Start your cleaning from the bottom and work your way up the chimney. Use a brush and scrub the inside with an up-and-down motion. Make sure you’re hitting every part of the chimney to dislodge all the dirt and flammable debris.

Clean the Fireplace

Your fireplace will likely be covered in soot when you’re done. Use a vacuum cleaner to finish clearing out the area. Your last step should be taking a damp cloth to the fireplace’s interior to wipe off any remaining residue.

Call Guardian Chimney Solutions for Chimney Cleaning in St. Michael, MN

If this task seems like a bit much or you just don’t have the time, you can always contact Guardian Chimney Solutions LLC to take care of it for you! Call us today to learn more and schedule your appointment with our cleaners!