Today, the issue of cleaning chimneys in many high-rise buildings is almost irrelevant, but most summer residents and owners of country houses still face this problem. If you do not want to attract specialists, then you can try to do it on your own. However, cleaning the chimney is not such an easy task, so first you need to gain theoretical knowledge, and then begin to practice.
General information
Regardless of the novelty of modular heating systems, soot settles in the chimneys. Of course, if you use a regular old wood stove, it is advisable to clean the pipe before every winter. If modern boilers are used, then it can be done less often. Today, in fact, there is no longer the profession of a chimney sweep, however, you can often see ads that offer professional cleaning. But if earlier only an experienced specialist could cope with this task, today any summer resident, even without experience, will be able to carry out all the necessary work. All that is required is a good brush for cleaning the chimney or something similar to it, as well as a little patience and strength. Let's take a closer look at this process.
Why does the chimney need to be cleaned?
A perfectly logical question: "Why is the pipe clogged?" The fact is that during the combustion of firewood, white smoke is formed. When coal burns, black smoke is released, which partially settles on the pipes. It is interesting that the amount of soot deposited largely depends on how high-quality the pipe surface is. The rougher it is, the more precipitation, the smoother - the less.
As a result, traction deteriorates, and the fuel does not burn completely. It is difficult to talk about what will happen if you do not do any cleaning. In the best case, the smoke simply will not pass and the fuel will not burn, in the worst - a fire may start or a person suffocates. It would seem that you need a professional chimney sweep for cleaning chimneys. Nevertheless, there are many ways, or rather devices, that will help you in solving this problem.
Essential tool
You can come up with some of your own devices if you don’t have the necessary tools at hand, or use those that are designed specifically for cleaning chimneys. Suitable brushes, brushes and chemicals. But there are so-called folk options that cope with the task no worse.
One of the easiest methods is to use a brush. It can be used to clean fireplaces, chimneys, baths and the like. The main thing is to choose the necessary size of the product. The best option is nylon pile. Such a brush is good in that it is quite flexible and can adapt to the shape of the pipe. At the same time, sufficient rigidity allows you to completely remove soot. You also need to understand that too hard material, such as metal, will scratch the inside of the chimney and make the surface less smooth. In the future, this will contribute to the fact that more and more soot will begin to accumulate in the chimney.
Using Potato Peels
But this method can be attributed to the classic folk or grandfather. It appeared a long time ago, but is still very often used. It is worth paying your attention to the fact that its effectiveness is no worse than the option with a brush or brush. The bottom line is that you need to take about a bucket of fresh potato skins, then melt the stove well and throw these scraps there. If the whole bucket did not enter, it’s okay - even a smaller quantity will be enough. The essence of the method is that when burning starch is released from potato skins, it contributes to the decomposition of soot. It is advisable to repeat the procedure several times, and after a few days the soot will partially disappear. Further, cleaning the chimneys with your own hands is extremely simple, since the combustion product will fall off on its own.
Chimney Cleaner
This method is based on obtaining the necessary chemical reaction. The cleaner "log-chimney sweep" is very easy to use and extremely effective. In most cases, it is used as an additive in firewood and is sold in small bundles weighing one kilogram or more. This is a good way not only for the first or second cleaning of the structure, but also to maintain it in good condition. A chimney log can be used for preventive purposes. During combustion, gases are emitted from the active elements, which dry the soot. As a result, it either falls into the fire, or disappears with smoke. As a rule, such a tool must be used for several days, but the result will meet all expectations. Many would have thought that birch or aspen wood is meant by logs, but this is somewhat different. The packages have special crystals that need to be scattered on burning pieces of wood. Now consider another valid method.
Aspen Firewood Cleaning
This method is considered one of the oldest. Now it is used extremely rarely. This is due to the fact that, with all the efficiency, such a cleaning of the chimney is not the safest. Nevertheless, let's consider this option.
You will need a small armful (or two) of aspen firewood. They need to be put in the oven and ignited. These firewood differ in that they reach a very high temperature during combustion. By the way, do not forget to open all the doors and latches. It is extremely important to maintain the set temperature in the oven for some time. When it reaches maximum values, you can hear the corresponding hum. Soot will begin to burn and disappear. The danger of this method is that not every chimney can withstand temperatures of 1100 degrees. Nevertheless, it is a very effective cleaning of the chimney from soot. But there are several other, simpler options.
Aluminum cans and hose
There are two more ways that even a beginner can learn. For example, using aluminum, you can achieve the minimum amount of soot deposited on the chimney pipe. The essence of the method is that approximately once in eight to twelve furnaces it is necessary to burn several aluminum products. It can be banks or something similar. The main requirement is to create a sufficient temperature for melting the metal. If the jar will just lie and change its color, then you will not achieve efficiency. If one tank melts in five minutes, then you have reached the desired temperature, if not, then toss some coal.
In the event that none of the above was at hand, you can try to find a hard hose and use it. To do this, remove the chimney glass and put a hose into it from above. For greater efficiency, attach a brush or brush to its end. However, cleaning the chimney from soot by this method is not very effective, but if there is no other way out, then this method is also suitable.
Types of Cleaning Tools
We have already figured out that to maintain the chimney in good condition, it must be regularly serviced. A special tool is sold for this. For example, a brush for cleaning the chimney, as well as a brush and a scraper, are very popular. Often you can see a universal tool - it’s better to buy it. The fact is that such brushes and brushes are suitable not only for brick, but also for metal structures with complex bends. When choosing, you need to consider that the diameter of the ruff should exceed the size of the chimney by about 15-20 percent. If the design is not round, but square, then a brush for cleaning the chimney is the ideal solution.
There is a method in which the kernel is used. It does not serve for full cleaning, but for removing blockages. The essence of the method is that the core is attached to the rope and throws into the chimney. Here you need to be wary of bumps against the wall, as they can lead to damage. In addition, the core can be used simply as a weighting agent. In most cases, it is enough to be able to choose the right brush for cleaning the chimney. Now consider another interesting nuance.
How to understand that it’s time to clean the chimney
Nobody wants to climb a roof with a ruff just like that, which, in principle, is understandable. It is imperative to be able to determine that it is time to service the chimney. This is pretty simple, and you don’t need any special skills. If the heating equipment is used in accordance with all the rules, it is recommended to clean the pipes approximately once every two years. When you throw various objects into the furnace, for example, plastic bottles, rubber or raw firewood, it is advisable to carry out maintenance annually. Also pay particular attention to the color of the smoke. When burning wood, it should be almost white. If the color is closer to black, this indicates a large amount of soot. In any case, it is recommended to have a brush or brush. If there is no desire to perform cleaning annually, then experts advise using chemicals to clean the chimney as a preventative measure.
Self-cleaning instructions
You already know which tool to choose for this event. In the end, it is permissible to use an ordinary long stick, on the end of which a rag is wound. Next, you need to clean the chimney along the entire length. The procedure is preferably repeated several times. This is due to the fact that it is very difficult to completely remove soot the first time. With simple up and down movements, it will fall into the furnace, and the other part will remain on a rag or brush. Do not forget to open and close the damper so that the soot falls completely into the stove. At the final stage, cleaning of the furnace wells follows. Usually there are several, but it all depends on the type of stove. Scoop or shovel you need to select all the deposits. After that, cleaning the stoves and chimneys may be considered finished, but do not forget that all cracks and cracks should be covered.
Contactless Cleansing
It is impossible not to say that the industry does not stand still, and today there are simply a huge number of methods to completely clear the chimney of smoke. Typically, such methods are used directly during the furnace. For example, firewood can be sprinkled with salt and watered with a small amount of water. In addition, there are dangerous options. One of them we reviewed above. Others, for the most part, are based on the fact that all soot is burned through the furnace openings. For old chimneys, this approach should not be used, as they can catch fire and fail.
Conclusion
We talked about the main means for cleaning the chimney. As you can see, the choice is very wide, and it all depends on your preferences. Brushes and brushes can be considered the most effective. But chemistry is more suitable for prevention than for complete cleaning. In any case, you have to climb the roof and do manual work. Do not forget that a lot depends on how you use your stove. If household waste is not thrown into the furnace, and coniferous trees containing a large amount of tar are not fired there, then cleaning can be carried out somewhat less frequently. Do not forget about regular maintenance, because if at the cottage heating fails in severe frost, then you will have to immediately climb the roof and perform the necessary actions.
In principle, this is all that can be said about how to clean the chimneys with your own hands. By and large, there is nothing complicated here, and it’s definitely not necessary to call specialists for such a thing. The next cleanings will be easier and faster, as you will already have experience.