Cleaning chimney - wood burning stove installed

[force majeure]

Hi,

I have a small Jotul stove installed into my fireplace. I am going to try and clean the chimney myself, taking the stove out of the fire surround. Anyone tried to do this DIY?
I have the chimney rods and brush head - my main concern is getting the chimney properly clean. I can tell there is a build up of tar-like material which is a fire hazard. I see a powder product for sale, Canadaian brand - doubt it will work fully. Any tips appreciated.

[lthenderson]

When cleaning a chimney, I disconnect the pipe inside and plug the hole tight with rags. I then go up on top and clean the chimney with the brush and rods. I've never used anything but that. Then it is back down inside where I carefully remove the rags while holding something to catch all the debris. I carefully rake it out and dispose. I've seen people clean the chimney while the interior pipes are in place and then when they go to remove them they get creosote everywhere. I have a trouble light that I generally lower down the hole when I'm done to inspect and see if it looks clean before putting the pipes or chimney cap back on.

[Fishindude]

I just had two chimneys cleaned for $300.
Well worth it for me, not to deal with the mess and climbing on the roof.

[hoosier]

Cleaning your chimney is a pretty easy DIY project.  I do mine myself a couple times a year.

If you can, bungee cord or zip tie a paper bag to your flue pipe then clean from the top down.  Wait about 5 minutes for the dust to settle and then remove the bag and reconnect everything.

If you don't have a steel pipe and your stove vents directly to a masonry flue that could be a big issue (slammer install).

The powders only work "OK" for breaking up stage 3 creosote (sticky/shiny black coating), but you still need to mechanically clean it too.

[Spork]

I clean mine twice a year.  Slightly different than above, but similar:
* open the flue.  My stove has a very fragile second stage and opening the flue puts a big metal plate on top of the second stage to protect it.
* get on roof and run rod/brush down the chimney 4-5 times
* come inside and disconnect stove pipe.  I take it outside and run the brush through it a few times.  My stove pipe has a bend in it (due to poor planning on ceiling trusses) so I cannot run the brush from the roof to the stove.
* vacuum out the top of the stove with vac that has a hepa filter.
* look up the chimney with a flashlight and see that it looks pretty clean

Once a year, I partially disassemble the stove so I can clean behind around the second stage.  For me this involves removing the ceramic interior and a steel plate on the left and right side.

Make sure you have the right size, shape and style of brush for your chimney.  For example, I have a stainless steel chimney.  I use a plastic brush.  A metal brush will make gouges in the stainless and will end up making more creosote grab onto it.