Homeowners can partially clean a chimney themselves using three common household items, without climbing onto the roof, according to the lifestyle outlet Deccoria.
A chimney should still be cleaned by a professional to avoid dangerous situations, but there are jobs that can be done at home while waiting for that visit, the outlet said.
Why chimneys need regular cleaning
Many people only think about cleaning their chimney once smoke starts filling the room, but a blocked chimney poses a real danger long before that, according to Deccoria.
Burning wood, coal or other fuels causes soot, tar and creosote to build up gradually on the chimney walls. These deposits narrow the passage, make it harder for smoke to escape, and can easily ignite, triggering a chimney fire that can spread through the whole house. A blocked chimney also raises the risk of carbon monoxide forming.
A clogged chimney also restricts draught, which lowers heating efficiency. That means more fuel is needed to produce the same amount of heat as a clean chimney would give off, making the situation costly as well as dangerous.
Walnut shells
Walnut shells help loosen soot inside the chimney so it flakes off in pieces, according to the outlet. To use this method, mix a small handful of shells with coal or wood shavings in a 1:1 ratio, then carefully add the mixture to the firebox and light it. Only dry shells should be used, once a month. Deccoria said this method is not recommended for neglected chimneys that already have a thick layer of soot.
Kitchen salt
Kitchen salt dries out chimney deposits and causes them to crumble on their own. One cup of kitchen salt should be scattered over the coals in the firebox, with the process repeated every one to two weeks to stop soot from building up, the outlet said.
Potato peel
Dried potato peel can be thrown in portions into a hot stove or fireplace. The starch it contains helps loosen soot, and this method can be used every two to three weeks, according to Deccoria.
The outlet stressed that cleaning a chimney yourself does not remove the need to call in a qualified specialist.
