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1.How([WWW]Granite Countertops) to Clean Out a Fireplace and Chimney

A clean fireplace and chimney is your best defense against([WWW]Granite) a dangerous chimney fire.

Steps 1Step One Buy a set of chimney rods and brushes([WWW]Countertops) at the hardware store. 2Step Two Change into old clothes and don safety goggles and a dust mask. Lay out a clean tarp in front of the fireplace. Cover the fireplace opening with a plastic tarp held on with duct tape([WWW]Tombstone). 3Step Three Open the fireplace's damper. This is the metal door up inside the fireplace, located just above the firebox; it prevents cold air from entering your home when you don't have a fire burning([WWW]Granite Countertops). 4Step Four Carefully climb up on your roof([WWW]Countertops), taking the rods and brushes with you. 5Step Five Remove the chimney cap - sometimes called a spark arrestor - and check it for weather damage. The purpose of the chimney cap is to keep sparks from escaping your chimney([WWW]Granite). It also serves to keep out rain, small animals and debris([WWW]eyelash). 6Step Six Assemble the chimney rods and brushes according to the equipment manufacturer's directions. 7Step Seven Run the brush down the chimney([WWW]Tombstone), using a short up-and-down plunging motion. [WWW]Stone brushes are designed to twist as well. 8Step Eight Go back inside the house and use a short chimney brush to clean the flue[WWW]Stone, which is the pipe that runs between the fireplace and the chimney. 9Step Nine Use a vacuum cleaner or small broom and dustpan to remove the cold ashes and creosote from the fireplace and the damper. 10Step Ten Brush the floor and walls of the fireplace with a stiff, dry scrub brush. 11Step Eleven Use the brush to clean the creosote built up behind the damper[WWW]stone. 12Step Twelve Reach through the damper with a vacuum hose and vacuum the creosote out of the 'smoke shelf([WWW]Granite Countertops),' a cavity behind the fireplace. 13Step Thirteen Vacuum up all of the dust and debris.

Tips & Warnings • Many fire departments recommend a yearly chimney inspection. • Consider hiring([WWW]Granite) a chimney service to inspect your chimney and fireplace for possible dangers and to clean them out([WWW]Tombstone). This should cost less than $100. • Don't use water to clean the fire brick or cement blocks. It could affect heat retention([WWW]Countertops).