Clean Sweep

No matter how often you do or don’t use your chimney, you should have it cleaned once a year, at a minimum. If you use it infrequently, you still need to have it cleaned because it is possible for animals to build nests in the flue. There could also be some kind of damage or other buildup that you are unaware of, so be sure that you don’t neglect your chimney, even if you rarely use it.

When you hire someone to clean your chimney, make sure that you hire someone who is knowledgeable. This person shouldn’t simply sweep out the fireplace. A thorough job includes a visit to the roof to check the flashing and the mortar. There is cleaning to be done on the top of the house as well as on the inside.

Some homeowners with woodburning fireplaces enjoy this feature, but notice there is an odor emanating from the hearth. Creosote deposits in the chimney have a noticeable smell. These deposits are part of what happens when wood is burnt. Getting the fireplace cleaned can help tame some of the odor. You can also purchase products to deodorize the chimney or try sprinkling baking soda in the fireplace.