Identifying the Need to Clean

• If your chimney and the flue connector have not been cleaned in a long time, or if you have not had it cleaned even once, the danger of fire rises. Creosote, defined as "a dark brown or black flammable tar deposited from especially wood smoke on the walls of a chimney," has accumulated. Frequent use means a higher chance of the creosote to ignite and cause a fire. It is advisable to clean the flue on a regular basis. Increase cleaning frequency when you use the wood stove or fireplace more. The flue can be neglected in the cleanup and may cause problems.
  
  It is important to disconnect the flue from the stove or from its chimney connection and check its walls for creosote deposit and other debris. Rodent droppings and even insects can cause blockage.
  
  

Professional Services

• The chimney may pose hazards you might not expect. The flue pipe may also have leaks and other defects that need repair. Professional cleaners of chimneys and flue pipes can spot problem areas and fix them.
  
  Flue pipes are easy to clean if they have straight angles or connections. However, some flue pipes may have twisted or awkward connections, which are very difficult to clean. Professional flue pipe cleaning, though a little expensive, is worth it because it may save your property and your life.
  
  

Do it Yourself

• You may prefer to clean the chimney and the flue pipe by yourself. Cleaning both is essential as they are connected. It will also result in optimal use of your wood stove or fireplace and there will be less energy spent. To clean the chimney and flue pipe, you need the proper equipment. For the chimney, use a chimney brush. Use a flashlight to properly see the interior. Be careful not to make a mess in your home with all the soot. You can use chimney and flue cleaner, a type of solvent, to make it easier.
  
  In cleaning the flue, check if the connection has a clean-out or if there is none, you can remove the flue pipe. Flue-cleaning brushes are available. Insert the flue brush and brush it up and down. Make sure you remove all the creosote buildup.