DIY chimney cleaning

If you feel like you are able to safely complete this task, here's how:

While it’s a great idea to have the chimney inspected by a professional FIRST, if you feel gung-ho, you may be able to do some maintenance yourself. (As always, these are not repair recommendations - use at your own risk and PLEASE BE SAFE!)
Here are some suggested steps for cleaning your chimney yourself:

1. First, take a good look at the inside of the flue. Sometimes you can can get a look at the chimney from the bottom, either by looking up from the fireplace with a flashlight or through the cleanout with a flashlight and mirror.
2. The best view is had from above, however. To do this, you’ll need to be above the chimney looking down, which means you’ll need to be able to use ladders and be on a roof. Again, BE SAFE!
3. Remove the chimney cap and shine a flashlight into the flue.
4. Whether from above or below, look for damage to the flue and for build-up of a black, flaky substance. That’s creosote.
5. If you find creosote, the chimney needs cleaning. If you spot damage, you need a pro to make repairs. Don't attempt repairs yourself.

Tools Needed:
Most people are better off hiring a pro, and for good reason. Chimney cleaning is less straightforward than it may seem, and it’s a job where experience counts. That said, with the right tools, skills, and knowledge of what to look for, it’s possible for a seasoned DIYer to clean their own chimney.
Buy a chimney brush that’s sized and shaped to fit your flue, and enough extension rods to run the flue’s entire length (rods come in 4-, 5-, and 6-foot lengths). For masonry flues, use a metal brush, and for stainless steel ones, use a poly brush. You can find these on a number of websites and in some stores, though they're not as readily available in West Texas as in colder areas of the country. Here's an example of a chimney brush: 
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​To use a chimney brush, follow these steps:

• Close the door(s) to the woodstove or fireplace, or tape plastic across the fireplace opening. You might use plastic regardless, as this process can make quite a mess!
• Working from above, with the damper open and the chimney cap removed, thread on the first rod.
• Insert the brush into the flue, push it down, scrubbing up and down as you go.
• Thread on additional sections of rod as needed and repeat the scrubbing until you reach the bottom.
• Once the brush is out of the chimney, look inside to see if you’ve removed all the creosote. If you haven’t, repeat the process.
• Once the flue is clean, use a shop vacuum to remove all the soot and creosote that’s fallen into the lower areas. Make sure your vac has the filter and bag installed first - otherwise you'll have a huge mess!
• Re-install the rain cap or other components as applicable.

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That's it! You should have a much cleaner chimney going forward!

​Remember, to avoid creosote build up in the future, use dry, hard woods for burning whenever possible.