POLYSWEEP POLYPROPYLENE BRUSHES are economical brushes used in clay and stainless chimneys to remove the minor build-up of creosote in chimneys.

SUPERSWEEP PREMIUM WIRE BRUSHES are stiff wire brushes used in clay and masonry chimneys. The wire construction is designed to remove significant creosote build-up in chimneys.

PELLET STOVE BRUSHES are rigid fiber brushes made of Tampico used to clean stove flues and clothes dryer vents.

METHODS

TOOLS

There are three (3) methods to clean chimneys.

The necessary tools depend on the method of cleaning and chimney type.

What are creosotes?

Creosote is a byproduct of burning plant-derived materials or fuels. When combustion happens in woodstoves, the rise of high-temperature smoke from the flames mixes with cold air and moisture from the top of the chimney. The condensation forms traces of coal tar in the pipes that solidify and get thicker over time.

The buildup of creosote is a fire hazard and health risk. Annually inspecting woodstove pipes is recommended to prevent chimney fires and downdrafts, avoiding toxic substances from entering your home.

Once inspected, what do I do next?

---

Treating creosote buildups depends on its severity. There are three (3) stages of creosote problems. Determine the extent of your creosote problem first to know how to treat it efficiently.

---

First Stage

At this stage, the creosote looks dusty, flaky and can be removed by a chimney brush. Catching the combustion particles at this stage and treating it is the best time before it gets worse.

Choose among Imperial Chimney and Pellet Stove Brushes to clean out the creosote from in flue pipes.

Toss in a stick or sprinkle some creosote conditioner ideally, once per week, on a low burning fire or bed of coal to prevent buildup and turn flaky creosote to brushable ash consistency.

Second Stage

You will notice minor or formation creosote buildup. The creosote is thicker, starting to form layers, and it looks more like tar than soot. Sometimes, it may look flaky to an untrained eye, but the creosote has firmly adhered to the pipe lining. A more industrial and rigid approach to cleaning is needed. Rotary loops and drills are required to remove the creosote at this stage. Often, chemical solvents help loosen the buildup for easier removal.

Sprinkle some creosote treatment powder onto a low fire or bed of coal twice-weekly for four (4) weeks to break apart the creosote buildup. Then use a chimney brush or rotary loop and drill to clean out the loosened creosote.

Third Stage

There is a large amount of coal tar encrusted on the pipe lining. The rotary loop cannot penetrate or spin thru the gunk, and treatments are deemed ineffective. At this stage, the buildup is dangerously flammable. The creosote is so thick that it acts like fuel, catching fire quickly.

The creosote can still be removed at this stage, but more often than not, the replacement of flue pipes is more cost-effective.