Chimney cleaning products: the best way to clean the chimney from soot

Careful operation of the furnace or boiler equipment is not a guarantee of the absence of soot in the chimney. The issue of cleaning the chimney remains relevant all the time. In order to facilitate maintenance, cleaning flues and chimney cleaners are used, the action of which is worth familiarizing with. Do you agree?

We will tell you about all the effective methods and chemical compositions that remove pollution of chimney pipes. In the article we have presented, information on methods for the prevention and destruction of tar deposits has been collected and presented. The folk and mechanical methods of controlling soot are described in detail.

Causes and consequences of a dirty chimney

Combustion is a physicochemical process, as a result of which combustible substances are oxidized and a large amount of heat is emitted. Fuel breaks up into fractions - part is converted into gas and rushes up, creating traction. Particles of unburned materials (plaque and soot) are deposited in the chimney.

The amount of deposits depends on the completeness of fuel combustion. With active combustion, the organic content decreases sharply - water vapor, sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide exit the pipe. Heavy tar and ash settle in a limited amount.

Ash plaque is mixed with wood resins and oils. An "explosive mixture" is formed - when ignited, the temperature of soot reaches 1000 ° C and above

In addition to the natural combustion and decay processes, the main causes of chimney clogging include:

1. The use of wood with a high content of resinous substances, for example, firewood from conifers. The resin forms an excellent adhesive base for soot adhesion.
2. The firebox of a boiler or furnace with poorly dried or freshly cut firewood - condensation settles on the inner surface of the “smoke”. On wet walls, soot particles accumulate faster.
3. Using a heating device for waste disposal. Combustible household waste is a complex of esters, tar components and non-combustible substances that contribute to the rapid pollution of the smokestack.
4. Pipe insecurity cap - deflector. From the side of the street, leaves, birds, etc. can get into the chimney. During the time that the furnace is idle, wasps or birds sometimes arrange their nests in the pipeline.

The rapid "overgrowing" of soot is the result of dishonest work of the stove. Reduced pipe cross-sectional area, improper angle of inclination, roughness and many turns of the chimney accelerate the pollution process. Too thin walls or insufficient thermal insulation of the pipe contribute to excess condensate.

Chimney made of asbestos or metal resists decomposition under the influence of acids and gases. The brick is less resistant, and gradually the combustion products deform the internal walls of the channel. Rough surface accumulates carbon deposits faster

Possible consequences of a contaminated channel:

1. Traction reduction. The narrowed clearance limits the free flow of smoke. Due to the accumulation of soot, the pipeline does not warm up well, which means that the efficiency of the equipment decreases. Not excluded tipping traction - Caustic smoke begins to flow from the furnace to the room, which is dangerous by carbon monoxide poisoning.
2. Fire hazard. The carbon layer can ignite - in addition to deformation of the chimney, sparks and fire pose a threat to the roofing and the house as a whole.

There is a danger of fire and nearby buildings. The roofs of neighboring houses are not immune to the ingress of hot soot particles.

Symptoms and frequency of cleaning

The first symptoms indicating problems with the chimney appear long before serious problems.

However, one should be wary and take timely measures if:

• the color of the smoke changed from whitish, transparent to dark;
• the shade of the fire in the firebox turned dark orange, and the wood burns out almost silently, without cracking;
• To maintain the usual temperature, you have to throw more coal and firewood.

As the chimney “overgrows”, difficulties arise with the kindling of the fireplace and stove due to the lack of oxygen from the outside.

An alarming sign is the intake of smoke through the gaps and slots of the heater inside the room. It signals a significant deterioration in draft and the need for quick maintenance of the chimney

To avoid overhaul or partial disassembly of the duct should be regularly inspected and preventive maintenance of the chimney should be performed.

Recommended dates for examinations:

• mandatory inspection on the eve of commissioning or after repair;
• in anticipation of the heating period;
• inspection of gas boilers and furnaces of the first two years of service - twice a year, then - 1 time / year;
• calibration of ceramic, asbestos-cement and concrete pipes - 1 time / year;
• assessment of the condition of the brick chimney - 1 time / 3 months.

Regardless of the verification indicators, the stoves are advised to clean the fumes of heating and cooking appliances every 3 months, continuous boilers every 2 months.

Chemicals in the fight for cleanliness

With the regular use of industrial preparations, it will be possible to delay the thorough cleaning of the chimney. Reagents are added to the furnace and during combustion they emit components that convert the amorphous organic plaque into a solid fraction. Soot loses its adhesion to the walls and crumbles down. Subsequently, it is cleaned from the furnace.

Chemicals are available in the form of briquettes, powder or liquid. The characteristics of the most popular drugs and recommendations on how to better clean the chimney from soot are given below.

Series of products "Smoke" production "Ecolays"

The range of sewage treatment products of Smoke from Ecolays is presented in three types:

• box;
• log;
• granules.

Box "Smoke" - the cleaner is easy to use and gives a cumulative effect.

Method of application: remove the labels, put the box in the furnace, pour liquid (supplied in the kit) and set fire. Burning time - 1-1.5 hours

Activated carbon and metal salts, which are part of the box-type “Smoke”, react with tar coating when burning - moisture evaporates from soot, deposits become brittle and burn out.

Do not count on an instant result - the effect of the drug continues for another 2 weeks, a noticeable effect will come in 2-3 months.

The Smoke log is made in the form of a bar imitating a natural tree. It is laid together with firewood during kindling. During combustion, a beautiful turquoise flame is observed - a sign that the treatment components have entered into a thermal reaction. The advantage of using logs is aesthetics and an unusual visual effect.

Similar products: “Poleshko”, logs from “Vortex”, logs “Chimney sweep”.

The granular cleaner "Smoke" is designed for the maintenance of pellet stoves and boilers. The drug is mixed with fuel granules and poured into the furnace. Permissible use in traditional wood-burning stoves.

Regardless of the form of release, the operating principle of the reagents is the same: 1 - incineration of the drug, 2 - coating the resin with active gas, 3 - drying of plaque, 4 - gradual cleaning effect

Smoke’s products have established themselves as a means of preventing and cleaning moderate pollution.

Kominicek - anti-burn chemical composition

The Czech-made preparation Kominicek is available in powder form, packaged in 14 g sachets.

Features of the use of treatment reagent:

• designed to remove soot, the layer of which is up to 2 mm;
• Recommended refueling dose - 1 packet / 1 kg of firewood;
• use with an open firebox (fireplaces) is unacceptable - when burning the chemical composition exudes a pungent odor.

The dosage of the cleaner for the furnace for preventive purposes depends on the type of furnace equipment:

• fireplace insert and local stove - 14 g;
• boiler serving one floor - 14 g;
• central heating boiler - 28 g.

The manufacturer does not recommend changing the dosage of the drug. In case of severe contamination, it is better to repeat the treatment twice a month. A bag of “Kominichek” is thrown into the furnace without opening, entirely.

The composition of the purifier: copper chloride and activated carbon. The soot is removed due to a catalytic reaction - the heated granules melt and emit chemical components that transform soot into oxide

Hanza range of treatment products

The Lithuanian company has developed a line of effective reagents aimed at destroying creosote - resinous components that, when in contact with water vapor, create a sticky base for soot to stick.

Popular products from Hanza:

• "Log chimney sweep";
• concentrated granular preparation;
• sack cleaner in bags;
• pellets for maintenance of heating appliances operating on granular fuel.

The composition of Hanza-cleaners is a complex of crystals. One group of components acts as a catalyst, converting soot into combustible gases. Other substances produce haze at high temperatures - hot vapors destroy the structure of tar deposits.

Bulk soot remover Hanza - universal. The tool is suitable for fireplace inserts, solid fuel boilers, wood stoves and open fireplaces. The shelf life of the cleaner is unlimited.

The powdery reagent is easy to use - one or two measuring cups are added to the fuel in the combustion chamber. At the first stage of application, to ensure a good quality of cleaning with a cleaner, it is recommended to “refuel” each furnace.

The calculation of the volume of the mixture is based on the capacity of the furnace and the degree of contamination. To prevent chimney clogging, the frequency of use of the Hanza is each 4-5 kindling

The powder is packaged in plastic containers or bags of 50 g. The volume of one package corresponds to the capacity of a measuring cup. "Log chimney sweep" burns out in 2 hours, validity period - 2 weeks. To increase the efficiency, it is advisable to repeat the preventive cleaning procedure. When laying in the furnace, the packaging does not need to be removed.

Granular “Hanza” provides cleaning not only the chimney of the pellet boiler, but also the burner, the glass of the door and the heat exchanger. The product is not suitable for equipment on wood and coal.

Recommended proportions based on the boiler output:

• up to 10 kW - 1 kg;
• 10-20 kW - 2 kg.

For the purpose of prevention, as 200 kg of fuel is consumed, 250 g of a cleaner are added.

Spalsadz - carbon black catalyst

Spalsadz (Poland) - activator for the complete burning of tarry deposits and soot. Reagent in the form of a green powder, consisting of inorganic salts. When the temperature rises to 350-600 ° C, the product decomposes into catalytic components that contribute to the decomposition of organics to water and carbon dioxide.

Features of the Spalsadz catalyst:

• non-explosive and non-flammable;
• does not react with ceramics, therefore, deformation of ceramic elements is excluded;
• increases the efficiency of heating appliances - fuel consumption is reduced by 20%;
• non toxic
• drug consumption - 1-2 kg / 1 ton of fuel (depending on the level of pollution).

The generated heat does not “escape into the pipe”, and the downtime for cleaning the boiler is reduced. An additional plus of Spalsadz is the reduction of sulfur dioxide emissions.

Traditional methods of cleaning the chimney

Traditional methods are aimed more at preventing the formation of tar deposits. If the chimney is clearly contaminated, they are ineffective, and some of them can cause a fire. Therefore, it is worthwhile to treat grandfather methods with a reasonable amount of skepticism and remark that the main condition for cleaning is safety.

Self-cleaning: what to add to the furnace

Below are suggested methods that are safe to implement. Their essence boils down to the use of substances, the combustion of which improves the separation of soot from the walls of the "fume".

Method 1 Salt. A thin layer of ordinary salt is poured on burning logs. Sodium chloride vapor “breaks” viscous deposits in the chimney.

Burning salt will partially prevent and slow the formation of tarry plaque. The “salt method” is not able to cope with long-standing soot growths.

Method 2 Potato peel. Great and affordable tool. Potato peel must first be dried. Depending on the dimensions of the furnace, 0.5-1 bucket of peel is added to the furnace. Alternatively, you can use the potato itself, sliced ​​and dried in the sun.

Starch emissions from potato burning soften soot growths. Some contaminants disappear, and the remaining carbon deposits are easier to clean.

Method 3 Hot water. This option is suitable for primary cleaning and punching a heavily clogged chimney. 3-4 liters of boiling water are poured on top of the pipe, neatly distributed over the walls of the channel.

Vapors soften the solid fractions of the plaque - soot begins to fly out of the chimney flakes along with smoke. The method helps to remove the unpleasant smell of burning

Method 4 Aluminum cans. An unusual, but quite effective option for cleaning the chimney. The essence of the method is to burn aluminum, and not just smoke and change color at high temperature. Optimally, if the can burns out in 5 minutes.

The method is applicable to coal and wood heating systems. The frequency of preventive measures is 1 time per 10 fireboxes

Burning soot with fire is a risky option

The old way to clean the chimney is to burn aspen wood. Logs are put into the oven and set on fire. It is necessary to achieve a large, but short-term heat, which will lead to the burning of soot.

When ignited, the stove starts to buzz, and fiery arrows can fly out of the pipe, the surrounding area is covered with white flakes. The result is a cleaned chimney.

Not every chimney will stand the test of fire, as the soot in the channel burns out at a temperature of + 1100 ° C. Sparks may cause a fire

Despite the assurances of some stove-makers of the safety of burning soot, resorting to this method is highly not recommended. However, aspen can be successfully used as a preventive measure - it is enough from time to time to put 2-3 kg of alder or aspen logs into the oven at the end of the furnace.

We offer you to familiarize yourself with additional information about tools and methods. smoke duct cleaningoutlined in the recommended article.

Technology for mechanical soot removal

The most effective method to quickly bring the chimney back to normal is mechanical cleaning. The work is laborious and requires the contractor to comply with a number of rules.

Chimney sweep tools and ammunition

Chimney sweeps used many years ago are still relevant today.

Indicative list:

1. A metal ruff with a diameter of 20-30% more than the cross section of the chimney. For square pipes, a stiff brush is selected.
2. Cable and brush holders.
3. Steel round core with a cable and a carbine. The diameter of the weight is 2/3 of the chimney section.

For cleaning, it is better to choose a brush with a nylon hard pile.

The polyamide bristle takes the form of a channel, and unlike a metal scraper, it does not scratch the internal walls of the chimney. High nylon flexibility helps eliminate plaque in tight places

Before doing dirty work, you need to take care of personal protective equipment - wear long-sleeved clothing, glasses, a respirator and gloves, shoe boots with non-slip soles.

Work environment: safety basics

When cleaning, it is important to observe the following precautions:

1. Flue gas inspection hatches must be closed so that the soot does not get inside the room and does not spoil the finish. Hang an open fireplace with a damp cloth.
2. Work is carried out in calm, dry weather.
3. The use of a safety cable and belt is mandatory.
4. It is advisable to enlist the support of one responsible assistant.
5. It is strictly forbidden to start cleaning while intoxicated, tired, or after taking medications that slow down the reaction.

In advance it is necessary to inspect the chimney for the presence of foreign objects, such as bird nests.

If the socket is low, it must be pushed in the direction of the combustion chamber. A highly placed item can be reached from above.

Step-by-step chimney sweeping process

The whole course of work consists of several steps:

1. Remove the pipe head from the top of the chimney and remove visible dirt with a broom or long stick.
2. Perform test run with weighting agent. The core should split large layers - small fragments will sprinkle into the firebox.
3. When the channel passability is restored, pull out the cable and connect the brush to the core.
4. Clean a small area by lowering and raising the rope.
5. Similarly clean the rest of the chimney.
6. Check the inspection chamber and remove fallen soot.

The described technology is effective for straight chimneys - even at an angle of 45 ° the passage of the core will be difficult.

Multifaceted professional brushes on a flexible shaft are designed for cleaning chimneys, ventilation systems and sewers. The marking on the cable allows you to control the depth of the passage

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Comparison of the effectiveness of cleaning products (logs “Chimney sweep”, powders “Kominicek” and “Cheerful chimney sweep”):

Combustion of fuel with a powder cleaner:

How to make and use a simple device to remove soot from the chimney:

A full inspection and cleaning of the smoke ducts is best entrusted to a professional specialist. You can independently carry out preventive treatment with chemical reagents, following the recommendations of the manufacturer.

Do you have your own proprietary recipe for removing soot from the chimney? Have questions about obscure points in the article or want to talk about your own experience as a chimney sweep? Please write in the comment block everything that you would like to tell us and visitors to the site, post a photo here.