Chimney Sweeper log for cleaning chimneys: composition of the product and instructions for use + reviews from owners

A convenient and safe “Chimney Sweep” product for cleaning chimneys allows you to maintain the exhaust channels of combustion products of modern stoves, boilers and fireplaces in working condition without unnecessary financial costs and physical effort. Artificial logs are inexpensive and are sold in many hardware stores.

To remove soot, just put the “Chimney Sweeper” in a heated firebox, wait until it burns out, and then remove the accumulated carbon deposits. After this procedure, the efficiency of the heating system will increase, heat transfer will increase, and fuel consumption will become more economical. Do you agree that this method of chimney cleaning looks very attractive?

However, before using Chimney Sweep, it would not hurt to understand the composition, the principle of operation of the product, and also find out the procedure for its use. It is important to properly prepare the chimney for cleaning, follow the recommended work schedule and dosage of the drug.

All these issues have been studied by us and described in detail in the article. In addition, we collected real user reviews about the effectiveness of the Chimney Sweep, and also listed advice from experienced professionals who specialize in cleaning chimney ducts.

The main signs of a clogged chimney

It is not difficult to understand that drainage channels need immediate cleaning. This is clearly indicated by the noticeable deterioration of traction properties and a decrease in the level of heat transfer of the system.

Smoke entering the room and sparks flying from the firebox also indicate the need to immediately eliminate the blockage in the chimney pipe.

Regular use of the Chimney Sweep product will help you avoid mechanical cleaning for years and keep your chimney ducts in optimal working condition.

If you ignore these points, the situation will only get worse. Soot deposited inside the chimney can suddenly ignite.

This will lead to cracking of the chimney walls and disruption of the integrity of the exhaust system. To eliminate the consequences you can use high temperature sealant, but it is extremely important to prevent the re-appearance of cracks, which can lead to a fire.

It is no longer possible to get rid of old soot using the Chimney Sweeper product alone. More global work will be required, which only professionals can handle. It won't be cheap for the owners. Therefore, it is better to constantly monitor the condition of the chimney and remove blockages before they cause serious damage to your home.

Characteristics and purpose of the product

The artificial chimney sweeper log has a limited area of ​​use. With its help it is allowed to clean fireplaces and wood stoves or coal raw materials. It is in such conditions that the log provides a good result.

For heating equipment operating on fuel resources such as electricity and gas, the Chimney Sweeper is absolutely not suitable.

You should buy a product for cleaning chimney ducts only in specialized stores or supermarkets that comply with the rules for storing products. It is worth paying attention to the date of manufacture. A log that is too old will not produce the desired effect.

Basic characteristics of artificial log

A log for cleaning chimneys called “Chimney Sweep” is produced by a domestic manufacturer. Visually, it looks like an ordinary elongated wooden block.

Available in two versions:

• standard – weight 1.3 kg, 25x8x6 cm;
• mini – 0.8 kg, 15x8x6 cm.

The first module is intended for conventional stoves and fireplaces with a large combustion chamber. The second is used for small-sized stoves and potbelly stoves with a compact firebox.

The artificial log is a rectangular brown briquette with non-sharp corners. Being together with other firewood, it is not noticeable. From the outside it is almost impossible to recognize that cleaning is in progress.

The name of the product is indicated on the outer packaging, and on the back there are detailed instructions describing the rules and principles of use.

What does it contain?

The manufacturer who produces the cleaning product positions it as absolutely safe both for the environment and for people and animals nearby.

The artificial log includes the following items:

• coal wax containing the optimal amount of coal dust;
• dry wood sawdust;
• amorphous silica;
• urea;
• ammonium sulfate is an active sulfuric acid compound widely used for industrial purposes;
• anhydrous sodium sulfate (sodium salt).

These ingredients are harmless and should not cause concern.But in addition, zinc chloride and phosphorus oxide are used in the production of logs. At high concentrations, these drugs can be dangerous especially for the skin and mucous membrane of the eye.

The artificial cleaning log is suitable for use in pipes of any type, size and shape. The effectiveness of the drug does not decrease, even if a very old chimney is treated

That is why the manufacturer advises not to remove the protective paper casing from the log. This measure allows you to correctly carry out global cleaning of the chimney and not risk your health when coming into contact with aggressive substances.

Step-by-step cleaning process "Chimney Sweep"

You cannot buy an artificial log and immediately place it in the firebox to burn. You need to prepare for the process of cleaning soot with its help. Let's take a closer look at all the stages of this procedure, starting with preparation.

Step #1 - preparation for the procedure

You need to properly prepare for cleaning chimney ducts with artificial logs. First of all, it is necessary to carefully inspect the drainage system for clogging with debris or other foreign elements.

If a blockage is discovered, you first need to mechanically treat the chimney with a special brush or metal brush.

In winter, removing the blockage is only possible from below from the living space. The procedure is painstaking and dirty. After it, dust particles of ash, pieces of soot and fragments of other combustion products remain on the floor.

To clean rooms after clearing blockages from the chimney system of a fireplace or stove from below, you will need a powerful vacuum cleaner. It will quickly remove all excess from the combustion chamber and from any floor covering

On warm, windless days, mechanical cleaning can be done through the roof.However, this is quite difficult from the point of view of personal safety.

For such an event, it is better to invite a professional with experience in high-altitude work. It will do an excellent job and provide the conditions necessary for routine cleaning of the system using a log.

Step #2 - using the Chimney Sweep

For cleaning, only one artificial log can be placed in the firebox. If you want to speed up the process and increase its efficiency, it is advisable to combine the “Chimney Sweeper” with dry firewood and place it all on well-heated coals.

The manufacturer does not recommend using more than one log with hot coals. It is better to repeat the procedure for cleaning the chimney duct after some time.

The log should be on top of the firewood. Thermal influence will stimulate its operation and increase the current efficiency. During the cleaning process, the product will burn completely and only fine ash will remain.

To get high-quality results, you need to strictly comply with the manufacturer’s wishes and strictly follow the designated action plan.

It consists of several positions that must be completed:

1. Remove the artificial log from the original cardboard packaging. Do not tear or otherwise damage the protective paper wrapper.
2. Place the Chimney Sweep block in a warm firebox. You can use it alone or in combination with dry firewood.
3. Use a lighter or matches and light both sides of the paper wrapper of the log. If the fireplace is being cleaned, you need to place a special protective grill in front of the fire. In the oven, it is necessary to cover the outer door flaps.
4. Wait until the bar burns completely.Usually this takes 90 minutes for a standard size log and 45-60 minutes for a mini “Chimney Sweep”.
5. The ash remaining from the preparation should not be removed from the combustion chamber. Residual combustion products should remain in the stove or fireplace for the next 8-14 days. During this period, you can use the heating system as usual.

The final result will appear 13-16 days after treatment.

During the burning process, the Chimney Sweep emits a specific odor. To remove it from the room as quickly as possible, immediately after the procedure you need to ventilate the room very well for 1.5-2 hours

If the first session does not completely solve the blockage problem, it is worth repeating the procedure one more time after 2-3 weeks.

Step #3 - complete cleaning

The final point in the process of cleaning the chimney with artificial logs is set 14 days after the procedure.

During this time, the drug fully manifests itself and has the necessary effect on internal deposits. Active substances soften the soot, causing it to separate from the walls and fall down.

After using the logs, you need to be especially careful when cleaning fireplaces with curved chimneys. Otherwise, there is a risk that the remaining soot will fall off, create a plug in the pipe and block the natural outlet of smoke into the atmosphere

All waste found in the firebox will need to be carefully raked out. Additionally, you will need to remove combustion products from the chimney pipe elbow and other system elements accessible for inspection. A fireplace brush and a good-power household vacuum cleaner are suitable for cleaning.

With the help of these useful devices, you can quickly and effortlessly clean out all unnecessary deposits from the system that interfere with its correct operation.

Drug dosage rules

To fully clean chimney pipes of standard sizes, it is enough to use one log for each session. This is enough to remove small and medium amounts of dirt.

In wide systems, it is allowed to use two logs, but not once, but one after another. After each procedure, be sure to ventilate the room well, regardless of the time of year.

If the chimney has not been cleaned for a long time and serious blockages have formed in it, and the walls are covered with a thick layer of viscous soot, you can carry out initial cleaning with two artificial logs at once. This must be done carefully and in compliance with fire safety rules.

Optimal session mode

It is recommended to treat chimney channels using the Chimney Sweep product at least twice a year before and after the end of the heating season. This is a universal mode, relevant for all systems.

When there are clear signs of blockage in the chimney, it is advisable to clean it as quickly as possible. Postponing the procedure will only aggravate the problems and require additional financial costs.

Fireplaces and stoves that are lit once a day should be cleaned preventively twice every six months. You will need one bar per procedure. For heating units that turn on once a week, 1 session every 6 months is enough.

What do buyers say about the log?

According to the manufacturer's official website, Chimney Sweeper logs perform well and demonstrate high cleaning quality. Using the products does not require special skills. This makes the drug especially popular among buyers.

Homeowners who have already tried Chimney Sweep speak well of it. The tool copes with the assigned tasks and produces real results.

However, before starting the procedure, you need to carefully examine the chimney system and find out if there are any fatal damages in it. If there are any, they need to be eliminated urgently.

To avoid direct contact with the log structure during use, it is recommended to wear work gloves. They will reliably protect the skin of your hands from accidental contact with chemicals.

The chemical log increases the soot burnout temperature to record levels. Under such intense heat, a damaged chimney may crack or begin to collapse.

The disadvantages of the drug include an unpleasant odor that remains in the room for a long time, and the inability of the product to remove large, old soot deposits.

Recommendations from professional craftsmen

Specialists with extensive practical experience chimney cleaning of different designs, “Chimney Sweeper” is classified as a preventative agent and is recommended to be used to maintain chimney ducts in good condition.

To remove serious deposits, it is first advisable to do standard cleaning with a wire brush or a hard brush, and then use a log to remove remaining soot, soot and resinous compounds.

If you place a log in a chimney with old dirt, the opposite effect may occur. Dirt from the internal walls will peel off, collapse and tightly clog the drainage channel

Additionally, craftsmen warn customers about the dangers of buying counterfeit logs.At best, it simply will not produce results, and at worst, it will provoke the release of aggressive chemicals that can harm the health of people and animals living in the house.

You can verify the authenticity of the product directly in the store. Simply ask the seller to present a quality certificate for the product. If such a document is available and prepared accordingly, the purchase can be made without any fear.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

How to properly use logs for fireplaces and stoves “Chimney Sweeper”.

Features of cleaning solid fuel boilers with chemical logs - test and real results.

For which systems the Chimney Sweep is not suitable - warnings to users.

Artificial logs are a modern way to clean chimney pipes from blockages and blockages. The product is freely available and is not inexpensive. Use does not require specific skills or experience in cleaning drainage channels.

The “chimney sweeper” works effectively, removing small soot deposits, carbon deposits and soot. Works best as a preventative cleaner. The drug is not very suitable for removing old stains, but it gives good results as a companion product for mechanical cleaning.

Do you have experience using artificial logs “Chimney Sweeper”? Or do you want to ask questions about cleaning the chimney of stoves and fireplaces? Please comment on the post and participate in discussions - the feedback block is located below.