It is great when we are able to use the fireplace during the winter months. It allows us to keep warm and to have the house feeling comfortable. It also helps to set the right mood or ambiance when we are trying to have a private night with our spouse. All this is impossible if we do not take the steps necessary to keeping it clean.
If the chimney is not cleaned out every few months it will become backed up with dirt, ash, and even bugs. When kept this way for too long the chimney will become damaged and only expensive repairs will be able to get it back up and running.
The first thing you must do is purchase a set of chimney rods and brushes from your local hardware store.
You are going to want to put on old clothes, a mask over your mouth, and safety goggles. Lay down tarp in front of the fireplace and cover the opening with plastic tarp and secure it with duct tape. This will help to keep the ash from getting all over the floor and furniture.
Open the damper on the fireplace. This is the metal door that is inside of the fireplace right above the firebox. This is what keep the cold air from getting inside of the home when you are not using it.
Cautiously climb onto the roof and have someone pass up the rods and brushes to you once you have found your footing.
Take the chimney cap off and examine it to see if you find any weather damage. The cap is used to keep sparks from coming out of the chimney. It also help to keep the rain, debris, and small animals away.
Put the chimney rods and brushes together according to the directions on the box. Slowly extend the brush down the chimney and back up again. There are some brushes that will move up and down and others that require you to twist it on the way down.
When you are sure you have scrubbed it enough you can go inside the home and use a shorter brush to clean out the flue. This is the pipe that extends between the fireplace and chimney.
Use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of the ash and other debris from the damper. Now brush the floor and walls using a dry scrub brush.