Chimney sweep log for chimney cleaning: composition of the product and rules of use + owner reviews

The convenient and safe Chimney Sweep cleaner for cleaning chimneys allows without extra financial costs and physical effort to maintain the working channels of the combustion products of modern stoves, boilers and fireplaces. Artificial logs are inexpensive and are sold in many hardware stores.

To remove soot, it is enough to put the “Chimney sweep” in a preheated firebox, wait until it burns out, and then remove the loose dust. After this procedure, the efficiency of the heating system will increase, heat transfer will increase, and fuel consumption will become more economical. Agree, this method of cleaning the chimney looks very attractive?

However, before using the “Chimney Sweep” it will not hurt to understand the composition, the principle of action of the product, and also to find out the procedure for its use. It is important to properly prepare the chimney for cleaning, observe the recommended mode of work and the dosage of the drug.

All these questions have been studied by us and are described in detail in the article. In addition, we collected real user reviews on the effectiveness of the “Chimney Sweep”, and also listed the advice of experienced craftsmen specializing in cleaning chimney flues.

Key signs of chimney clogging

It is not difficult to understand that the bypass channels need to be cleaned immediately. This is clearly indicated by a noticeable deterioration in traction and reduced system heat transfer.

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

Regular use of the “Chimney sweep” means will help to do without mechanical cleaning for years and maintain the chimney paths in optimal working condition.

If you ignore these points, the situation will only worsen.Soot deposited inside the chimney can ignite unexpectedly.

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

It will no longer be possible to get rid of soot soot only with the help of the Chimney Sweep preparation. More global work that only professionals can handle will be required. To the owners it will not be cheap. Therefore, it is better to constantly monitor the condition of the chimney and eliminate blockages before they cause serious harm to the home.

Characteristics and purpose of the product

Artificial log for cleaning "Chimney sweep" has a limited area of ​​use. With its help it is allowed to clean soot, soot and soot from 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 a fuel resource such as electric energy and gas, the “Chimney sweep” is categorically not suitable.

You need to buy a product for cleaning chimney channels only in specialized stores or supermarkets that comply with the rules for storing products. It is worth paying attention to the date of manufacture. Too old a log can not give the desired effect

Basic characteristics of artificial log

Chimney cleaning logs called “Chimney Sweep” are 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 designed for conventional stoves and fireplaces with a large combustion chamber. The second is used for small stoves and potbelly stoves with a compact firebox.

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

On the outer packaging the name of the product is indicated, and on the back there is a detailed instruction with a description of the rules and principles of use.

What is included in the composition?

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

The composition of artificial logs includes the following items:

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

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

Artificial cleaning logs are suitable for use in pipes of any type, size and shape. The effectiveness of the drug does not fall, even if a very old chimney is exposed to treatment

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

Step-by-step cleaning process with Chimney Sweep

You can not buy artificial logs and immediately put them in the furnace for burning. You need to prepare for the process of cleaning soot with its help. Let us consider in more detail all the stages of this procedure, starting with the preparation.

Step # 1 - preparing for the procedure

To clean chimneys with artificial logs, you need to properly prepare. First of all, it is necessary to carefully examine the drainage system for clogging with garbage or other foreign elements.

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

In winter, blockage can only be removed from the bottom of the living room. The procedure is painstaking and dirty. After it, dust particles, soot pieces and fragments of other combustion products remain on the floor.

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

On warm, calm days, mechanical cleaning can be done through the roof. However, it is rather 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. He will do an excellent job and will provide the conditions necessary for the scheduled cleaning of the system using logs.

Step # 2 - using Chimney Sweep

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

The manufacturer does not recommend the use of more than one log in conjunction with hot coals. It is better to repeat the procedure for cleaning the chimney channel after some time.

The log should be on top of the firewood. Thermal exposure will stimulate its work and increase the current efficiency. During the cleaning process, the drug will burn completely and only fine ash will remain from it.

In order to get a high-quality return, it is necessary to strictly observe the wishes of the manufacturer and precisely follow the designated action plan.

It consists of several items that are mandatory:

1. Remove the artificial log from the original cardboard packaging. Do not tear the protective paper wrapper or damage it in other ways.
2. Place the “Chimney sweep” block in a warm firebox. You can use it yourself, or in combination with dry wood.
3. Use a lighter or matches and set fire to a paper wrapper on both sides. If the fireplace is being cleaned, a special protective grill must be placed in front of the fire. In the oven, the external door leaves must be covered.
4. Wait until the bar is completely burned. Usually it takes 90 minutes for a standard size log and 45-60 minutes for a mini Chimney Sweep.
5. Do not remove the ash remaining from the preparation from the combustion chamber. Residual combustion products should be in the stove or fireplace for the next 8-14 days. You can use the heating system during this period as usual.

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

In the process of burnout, “Chimney sweep” emits a specific smell. To remove it from the room as quickly as possible, it is necessary to ventilate the room very well right after the procedure for 1.5-2 hours

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

Step # 3 - complete the cleanup

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 applying the log, it is especially necessary to carefully clean the fireplaces with a curved chimney. Otherwise, there is a risk that the remaining soot will crumble, create a cork in the pipe and block the natural exit of smoke into the atmosphere.

All waste in the furnace will need to be thoroughly scooped up. In addition, you will need to remove the combustion products from the elbow of the chimney, and other system components available for inspection. For cleaning, a fireplace brush and a good-power household vacuum cleaner are suitable.

With the help of these useful devices it will be possible to quickly and without unnecessary efforts to clean out all unnecessary deposits from the system that interfere with its correct operation.

Drug dosage rules

To fully clean the chimney communications of standard sizes, it is enough to use one log for each session. This is enough to remove pollution of small and medium volumes.

In wide systems, the use of two logs is allowed, but not one-time, but one after another. After each procedure, it is necessary 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, it is possible to carry out an initial cleaning with two artificial logs at once. This must be done carefully with mandatory compliance with fire safety regulations.

Optimal session mode

It is recommended to process chimney channels using the “Chimney sweep” tool 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 clogging in the chimney, it is advisable to clean as soon as possible. Postponing the procedure will only exacerbate the problems and require additional financial costs.

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

What do customers say about logs?

According to the official website of the manufacturer, logs “Chimney sweep” show good performance and demonstrate high quality cleaning. The use of products does not require special skills. This makes the drug especially in demand among buyers.

Homeowners who have already tried Chimney Sweep respond well about it. The tool copes with the tasks and gives a real result.

However, before starting the procedure, you need to carefully examine the chimney system and find out if it has fatal injuries. If any, they must be urgently eliminated.

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

The chemical log increases the temperature of soot burnout to record levels. Under such intense thermal stress, a damaged chimney can become cracked or begin to collapse.

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

Recommendations of professional masters

Specialists with extensive practical experience chimney cleaning of various designs, the Chimney Sweep is classified as a prophylactic and is recommended to be used to maintain chimney channels in good condition.

To remove serious deposits, it is first advisable to do a standard cleaning with a metal brush or a hard brush, and then with the help of logs to remove residues of soot, soot and resinous compounds.

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

Additionally, wizards warn customers about the dangers of buying fake logs. At best, it simply will not produce a result, 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 goods.If such a document is available and formatted accordingly, the purchase can be made without any fear.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

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

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

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

Artificial logs are a modern way to clean chimneys from clogging and blockages. The tool is sold in the public domain and is not inexpensive. The use does not require specific skills or the experience of cleaning the tap channels.

The chimney sweep works efficiently by removing small soot deposits, soot and soot. It works best as a preventative cleaner. To remove old impurities, the drug is not very suitable, but gives good results, as a concomitant for mechanical cleaning.

Have experience using the Chimney Sweep artificial log? Or want to ask questions about cleaning the chimney of stoves and fireplaces? Please comment on the publication and participate in the discussions - the feedback block is located below.