Your fireplace is a great home amenity that you take advantage of, especially in the winter. But did you know you should clean your chimney at least once a year? Routine maintenance and cleaning can help keep your fireplace clean, reduce the risk of your home smelling poorly, and help to prevent house fires. While fall is usually the best time to clean a chimney—before you even have to light it in the winter—you can still prepare for Santa’s arrival on Christmas by welcoming him with a clean chimney!
- Prepare for a cleaning.
First, before cleaning your chimney, you must be sure the area is prepared. Remove items that may get dirty around the fireplace area – you don’t want soot getting in your home and all over your belongings! Check the chimney also for any animals, as well as any items that may have been lodged in the flue.
- Hire a professional.
The best way to have your chimney cleaned is to hire a professional. A professional chimney sweep will have the proper equipment and tools to get the job done quickly and correctly. You can find one online or through referrals.
- Do it yourself (with the right tools)!
If you do want to clean your chimney yourself, make sure you have the correct tools, such as rags or old sheets to catch the mess, a brush and pulley system, and even a partner to help. You must also be sure to use the proper safety equipment, such as gloves and goggles. You’re well on your way to cleaning the chimney yourself; just make sure you have home insurance to keep you safe in the event of an accident!
The best way to get your chimney cleaned is by hiring a professional. However, there are still some things you can do to prepare for a professional cleaning or even to clean it yourself, once you’ve purchased the proper tools you will need. Santa is coming very soon, so hurry up and clean your chimney before he gets here!
*