Log "Chimney sweep" for cleaning chimneys: composition of the product and rules for use + reviews of the owners

log chimney sweep

It has already been said above that if cleaning is more about prevention than a full-fledged repair with cleaning the chimney, then a chimney cleaner like a chimney sweep with a chemical reagent would be preferable to use.

For a complete cleaning of chimney pipes, global means should be used, for example, a mechanical method, using "anchors", breakdowns and similar means.Because with serious pollution, even the best chemical cleaners will not be able to cope. Therefore, it is necessary to use a chimney sweep log as a means, from our point of view, as an effective way of prevention and nothing more.

And at the same time, pay attention that after burning a log, it is necessary to clean the “knee”, otherwise the accumulated soot will lead to even more sad consequences in the future.

Chimney cleaner - which one is better to choose?

Chimney cleaners can differ significantly in their basic properties, no matter how silly it may sound. If in Soviet times only one type of briquette was used to clean the chimney, now the choice varies tenfold. This is affected not only by the massive filling of the market with foreign goods, but also by the fact that scientists have applied and tested many chemical compositions of such reagents. Some of them have a more global approach to work, and some only allow you to warm up the pipe so that large shreds of soot exfoliate when cleaning.

Among the main types, one can note the appearance of checkers for the stove - these are kind of smoke bombs in our usual representation. When burned, they emit a harmful gas that is better not to breathe, but it is able to cope with soot as easily as other means. But, a powder-based chimney cleaner has become more widespread. They simply pour it on hot coals, and wait until it burns out, as a rule, it is no more than 10 minutes. After that, it is recommended to put out the stove and clean all the “knees” where soot could fall.

As already mentioned, for dry cleaning of the chimney, you need to use a special cleaning powder.They put him on the coals and wait for a while. At the same time, be sure to check whether the windows in the apartment are closed so that there is no formation during cleaning, even a short-term reverse thrust. Still, this is chemistry, which is quite dangerous for human life and health.

Consequences of uncleaned chimneys

A fire in a chimney can destroy a building if soot is not removed in time.

The stove or fireplace is a potential fire hazard. For this reason, when working with such heaters, it is imperative to observe safety precautions, which include periodic cleaning of pipes.

The main consequences of uncleaned chimneys:

• Fire. With a large accumulation of soot, a fire may occur in the ventilation pipes.
• Reduced efficiency of the heating system. Plaque leads to a decrease in the heat capacity of the pipe and a weak smoke output. As a result, the house will be poorly heated and there is a risk of smoke entering the room.
• Health problems in humans and pets. With poor cleaning, soot and other dust particles accumulate in the pipes, which enter the respiratory and vision organs. They can cause serious illness in the residents of the house. In addition, chimney channels clogged with soot poison all people and animals in the room with carbon monoxide.
• Explosions. Soot tends to explode when accumulated heavily, so it must be removed periodically.

Instructions for use: how to use it correctly?

You can set fire to the product either in a fireplace without firewood, or by laying it on the coals left over from the previous firebox (regular, wood or coal). To clean large (in diameter) or very heavily polluted chimneys from soot, 2 logs can be used.In this case, they need to be set on fire in an empty firebox (do not lay on hot coals).

Step by step instructions for use:

1. The chimney is inspected from the inside. You need to make sure that the pipe is not clogged with debris, and has a patency. Otherwise, it will need to be cleaned first. If the smoke channel is heavily clogged with soot, then it can first be cleaned mechanically (for example, using a ruff). But this is optional.

2. If the Chimney Sweep is used on hot coals, you just need to put it on them, right in the wrapper. If the log does not catch fire from the coals, the wrapper must be set on fire with a match. If the firebox has a door, close it after ignition.

3. If the “Chimney Sweep” is used in an empty firebox (for example, at the very beginning of the heating season), the product is placed in the center, and the wrapper is set on fire with a match. The firebox door (if any) is closed.

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

In about an hour and a half, the product completely burns out. The characteristic smell from it can remain for several days. It is not necessary to clean out the remains of a log that have not burned out - during subsequent fireboxes they will burn themselves.

Further, the stove (fireplace) can be used as usual. However, ideally, it should be done less often - in the first 1-2 weeks after applying the "Chimney Sweep", the active substances will still affect the soot in the pipe.

After 10-14 days after application, it is recommended to inspect the chimney again and remove the fallen soot (in the furnace, in the horizontal sections of the channel). If there is an opportunity-desire-time - you can once again clean it mechanically. This is especially true if it was heavily clogged before cleaning.

Instructions for use: how to use it correctly?

You can set fire to the product either in a fireplace without firewood, or by laying it on the coals left over from the previous firebox (regular, wood or coal). To clean large (in diameter) or very heavily polluted chimneys from soot, 2 logs can be used. In this case, they need to be set on fire in an empty firebox (do not lay on hot coals).

Step by step instructions for use:

The chimney is inspected from the inside. You need to make sure that the pipe is not clogged with debris, and has a patency. Otherwise, it will need to be cleaned first. If the smoke channel is heavily clogged with soot, then it can first be cleaned mechanically (for example, using a ruff). But this is optional.

If the Chimney Sweep is used on hot coals, you just need to put it on them, right in the wrapper. If the log does not catch fire from the coals, the wrapper must be set on fire with a match. If the firebox has a door, close it after ignition.

If the “Chimney Sweep” is used in an empty firebox (for example, at the very beginning of the heating season), the product is placed in the center, and the wrapper is set on fire with a match. The firebox door (if any) is closed.

In about an hour and a half, the product completely burns out. The characteristic smell from it can remain for several days. It is not necessary to clean out the remains of a log that have not burned out - during subsequent fireboxes they will burn themselves.

Further, the stove (fireplace) can be used as usual. However, ideally, it should be done less often - in the first 1-2 weeks after applying the "Chimney Sweep", the active substances will still affect the soot in the pipe.

After 10-14 days after application, it is recommended to inspect the chimney again and remove the fallen soot (in the furnace, in the horizontal sections of the channel). If there is an opportunity-desire-time - you can once again clean it mechanically. This is especially true if it was heavily clogged before cleaning.

Chemical cleaning methods

How to heat the stove to clean the chimney? These substances include the following:

1. Naphthalene. It is applied to the surface of the fuel of a well-heated furnace. At the same time, naphthalene evaporates, and its vapors destroy the integral layer of soot deposits. It is carried out in the form of flakes into the atmosphere. The disadvantage of this method is the unpleasant smell of this drug, remaining in the room. Therefore, it is not used for cleaning pipes where an open source of ignition is used (for example, a fireplace).

1. A handmade mixture of blue color made from simple and affordable ingredients. Let's get acquainted with the composition:
   • 1/5 blue vitriol;
   • 1/7 saltpeter;
   • 1/2 coke medium fraction.

The mixture is introduced into a well-heated firebox. Evaporation products, as in the first case, destroy the layer of soot that escapes with flue gases to the outside. The amount of the applied mixture for one cleaning is about 20 grams, the frequency of use is 1-2 times a month. The door of the firebox after making the mixture must be tightly closed.

1. To combat soot deposits, aspen firewood is used, which is brought into the most heated firebox in the amount of 1-2 medium-sized logs. The combustion temperature of such firewood is higher than that of conventionally used fuel, and slight soot deposits are burned directly during combustion. With significant deposits, this method is not used so as not to provoke a fire.It is recommended to produce regularly with a frequency of a couple of times in 7 days.

1. Walnut shell. Its combustion also occurs at a significant temperature and the principle of operation is the same in the previous case. A single dose of shell should be no more than three liters.

1. Salt rock. It is introduced into the furnace when the furnace is ignited in the amount of 1-2 tablespoons. Evaporation from it softens the soot layer in the pipe, which exfoliates from the walls and falls into the drive.
2. Potato peelings. They are used by introducing into the furnace in an amount of up to 5 kilograms in dry form. Starch vapor effectively softens the soot, and it literally falls off the pipe walls in pieces. The tool is used as it accumulates.

You can also use starch to clean the chimney in the amount of one spoon per firebox.

1. Chemicals for the protection of chimneys. They are produced by industry purposefully to protect chimneys from soot and soot. Forms of release are different from imitation of firewood or briquettes to powder or liquid formulations. Let's point out some of the most popular ones:

Carbon removers are available in stores in a wide range, and you can always choose the right option for any situation.

When using purchased means from planting chimneys, it is necessary to strictly follow the manufacturer's recommendations, especially in terms of safety requirements.

Why is it necessary to clean the chimney at all?

When fuel burns in the heater, soot is released. Warm air lifts it up, where it settles on the walls of the chimney. Over time, soot accumulates, its layer becomes more and more powerful. This leads to unpleasant consequences:

• The channel for the removal of smoke is narrowed, which gives a reduction in traction.
• The wear of the walls of the chimney is accelerated.
• The efficiency of the heating device decreases.
• Increases the likelihood of fire inside the chimney.

Trouble can be prevented only by timely cleaning of the chimney from accumulated soot.

Soot is deposited inside the chimney and closes the space of the outlet channel. Draft deteriorates, the efficiency of the heater decreases and the risk of fire increases

Instructions for use

How to properly and safely use the Chimney Sweep log? The instructions are located on the original packaging of the product:

• Remove the log from the original packaging without unwrapping the protective wrapper and place it in the firebox. Set fire to the paper wrapper on both sides.
• In a closing stove, the door leaves should be covered, and a protective grill should be used in the fireplace.
• Wait until the bar is completely burned (about 90 minutes).
• The remains (ash) of the bar should be left in the fireplace for the entire period of validity, about 1-2 weeks. During this time, you can use the stove (fireplace) in the usual mode.
• After the procedure, it is recommended to ventilate the room.

Causes of a clogged chimney

Soot can completely clog the chimney, so cleaning is carried out once a year

Fuel combustion requires sufficient carbon oxidation. This process requires high temperature and oxygen. If one of the conditions is violated, soot is formed, which clogs the chimney.

Reasons for the formation of plaque on the pipe:

• Use of raw firewood for burning. In this case, when they enter the oven, they begin to dry, which consumes a large amount of energy. As a result, the temperature drops, the carbon does not warm up well and soot forms.
• Burning of plastic and polyethylene, as well as scraps of plywood, chipboard and OSB.They contain substances that clog the chimney.
• Weak traction. The insufficient height of the pipe, the transfer of the combustion process to smoldering and the accumulation of soot deposits lead to it.

Why does soot form in the chimney

The reason for the formation of soot in the chimney is the incomplete oxidation of carbon. Soot is the carbon associated with pollutants and other unburned substances. Insufficient oxidation can occur for two reasons: lack of oxygen and insufficient temperature. In both cases, active soot formation occurs.

Already not good. Chimney cleaning needed

Here are specific situations that lead to the appearance of soot in the pipe:

• Use of raw wood. When laying undried firewood, they dry out in the flame for some time, then begin to burn. It takes a certain period of time to dry, but the main thing is that damp firewood brings down the temperature. And this means that soot is deposited on the walls of the chimney.
• The operation of the furnace in smoldering mode. In this case, the decomposition of the fuel occurs with a lack of oxygen, which contributes to the formation of soot. Still - the temperature of the smoke in such modes is not higher than 100 ° C, and more often even lower. It also contributes to the formation of soot. So if you operate the stove in smoldering mode, be prepared for the fact that the soot must be shaken regularly.

Do not take such a cork with any chemistry

The deposition of soot in the pipe is also facilitated by some types of firewood - containing resins. The more resins, the more likely the appearance of plaque. If the pine or spruce is dry, there will be no problems. But damp resinous firewood very quickly reduces the time until the next cleaning of the chimney.

TOP 5 cleaning chemicals or what the market offers us

Cleaning the chimney with your own hands is a real thing, but troublesome, we'll talk about this a little later, but now we'll look at the method that 95% of the owners choose - this is to buy a chimney cleaner, throw it into the furnace according to the instructions and forget about the problem.

No. 1 Funds from the brand - Smoke

Domestic chimney cleaning products from the Smokey trademark have established themselves as a fairly high-quality product. The line now has 3 options for cleaners.

A photo	Recommendations
	Box The chimney cleaning kit is considered the most popular, it looks like an ordinary box, according to the instructions you need to remove the packing polyethylene and throw the box into the firebox on the fading coals. The contents of the box will smolder for about an hour and a half, the product will dry the soot, and then, within 2 weeks, it will fly out into the chimney and fall into the furnace. The price of the box is about 600 rubles.
	Log As practice has shown, people like the chimney cleaner made in the form of a log more. The instruction and principle of operation here are the same as in the case of the box, but the price for a log weighing 750 grams. is only 400 rubles. Perhaps this is the secret of popularity.
	Pellets Among chemicals, pellets are considered a narrow-profile option, they are used only for cleaning the chimneys of boilers running on pellets. The material is packed in 5 kg, the price of 1 package is 850 - 900 rubles. According to the instructions, 10 kg of cleaner is used for 1 ton of fuel. Average cleaning boiler and chimney from soot performed every 2 months. The video below in this article shows the cleaning of a pellet boiler with Smoke pellets.

No. 2 Trademark funds - Chimney Sweep

Chimney sweeper products for cleaning chimneys appeared on the market almost simultaneously with products from the Dymova company, here the most popular chimney sweep log is considered to be the most popular. In the line there are 3 types of logs weighing 750 gr. 800 gr. and 1.3 kg, the price for them ranges from 220 to 550 rubles.

To clean the chimney potbelly stove or small fireplace a log weighing 800 g is enough, and in order to clean up a large stove, you will have to buy a chimney cleaner weighing 1.3 kg

No. 3 Purifier from "Hansa"

The German brand "Hansa" has been on our market since the nineties, it produces one cleaning product, but in different packaging, you can buy a box with single bags or a jar with a measuring spoon and sprinkle the powder as you wish. Hansa powder does an excellent job with a thick layer of stubborn creosote, and the exfoliated mass burns out completely.

The cost of a half-kilogram box with 10 one-time bags is about 750 rubles, the same weight in a jar will cost 600 rubles, but it is most profitable to take a kilogram jar, the price for it fluctuates around 900 rubles.

Hansa makes an excellent soot cleaner for chimneys, it is most advantageous to use a product packaged in kilogram cans

No. 4 Cleaner from the Vortex trademark

Log for cleaning chimneys Vortex is the only product that is supplied to our market by this brand. The product is quite good, the instructions are standard, we talked about it above. The advantage of such logs is that their price is relatively small, it ranges from 220 to 375 rubles, which is rare for a German company.

A log from Vortex has established itself as a fairly high-quality product

No. 5 Means "Kominichek"

Bags of granules from the Czech company Kominichek have been supplied to us since the days of the Soviet Union. Judging by the reviews, this chimney cleaner is not the best. One single bag is designed for 1 gk of fuel, that is, you kindle 1 kg of firewood or coal in the firebox and throw a bag into the fire.

The manufacturer acknowledges that the chemical is intended to prevent, not to combat, soot growths, plus users note the unpleasant odor of the product. As for the cost, the price of one pack of Kominichek with 5 single bags ranges from 350 to 550 rubles.

At the moment, the Kominichek tool is not very popular.

Criterias of choice

A large assortment of chimney cleaning logs can confuse uninformed buyers. The fact is that they have a limited scope. With their help, it is allowed to clean from soot, soot and soot fireplaces and stoves that run on wood or coal. It is then that a good result in cleansing activities will be achieved.

It is impossible to use artificial logs for equipment operating on such a fuel resource as electricity and gas.

To understand what kind of remedy is needed, you need to carefully examine the inside of the chimney structure and assess the scale of the blockage. If a serious blockage is found, then the chemical compositions will not cope with such a problem. Preference should be given to the mechanical method of cleaning.

The number of logs is calculated depending on the dimensions of the chimney and the complexity of the blockage. For a complete cleaning of communications of standard sizes and a small soot, it is enough to use one log for each session.For wide systems, it is allowed to use two logs thrown one after the other.

Chimney cleaner - which one is better to choose?

Chimney cleaners can differ significantly in their basic properties, no matter how silly it may sound. If in Soviet times only one type of briquette was used to clean the chimney, now the choice varies tenfold. This is affected not only by the massive filling of the market with foreign goods, but also by the fact that scientists have applied and tested many chemical compositions of such reagents. Some of them have a more global approach to work, and some only allow you to warm up the pipe so that large shreds of soot exfoliate when cleaning.

Among the main types, one can note the appearance of checkers for the stove - these are kind of smoke bombs in our usual representation. When burned, they emit a harmful gas that is better not to breathe, but it is able to cope with soot as easily as other means. But, a powder-based chimney cleaner has become more widespread. They simply pour it on hot coals, and wait until it burns out, as a rule, it is no more than 10 minutes. After that, it is recommended to put out the stove and clean all the “knees” where soot could fall.

As already mentioned, for dry cleaning of the chimney, you need to use a special cleaning powder. They put him on the coals and wait for a while. At the same time, be sure to check whether the windows in the apartment are closed so that there is no formation during cleaning, even a short-term reverse thrust. Still, this is chemistry, which is quite dangerous for human life and health.

Funds from the store

Shop tools for cleaning the chimney can be divided into several groups, but the principle of operation is the same for all. All chimney cleaners contain catalysts that soften the soot. As the substance penetrates, it falls off in flakes. Getting into the flow of hot gases, it can be carried up or fall down - it depends on the mass of the fallen off piece and the mode of the furnace. So, here are some chimney cleaners you can find in stores:

• Log for cleaning the chimney. They are made using the technology of fuel briquettes (compressed from wood fibers), substances softening soot are added to the composition. They speak well of the “Chimney Sweep Log” by Hansa (Hansa), similarly to the product of the Polish company Sadpal (Sadpal).

Logs and pellets for cleaning the chimney are made using the same technology

The range is large, the price range too. Efficiency does not always depend on price

When using any means, it is necessary that the fire burns actively, it is necessary to use well-dried firewood. Smoldering mode will not give results

Pay attention to it

How to get rid of soot in a pipe

To prevent chimney cleaning from being a problem, it is best to periodically use one of the preventive methods. Then the soot will not accumulate. It accumulates most of all where there are irregularities - turns, joints, etc. Even where there are cracks and scratches. So it will be more difficult to clean a brick pipe than a metal or sandwich. There are the following methods:

• Use store supplies. There are powders, logs, granules and other free-flowing or not substances. They are impregnated with chemicals that cause additional oxidation of carbon. Subject to the frequency, this tool is effective. It's just that they don't cost much.The same results can be achieved by folk remedies.

In a brick kiln, often hard, hard-packed plugs form above the dampers.

Oddly enough, one way to combat the formation of soot is to insulate the pipe. In this case, the flue gases are not as cold, which reduces the likelihood of condensation and soot.

The second point is the correct organization of the chimney. In places of turns, on long straight sections, it is necessary to install inspection hatches or provide other access opportunities. Then it will be easier to remove soot in the most "dangerous" areas. Through the same sections, you can clean the pipe using the same brush.

Most often, access is provided at the corners of the smoke channel

Tees, glasses, etc. are placed in metal pipes or sandwiches. In a brick chimney, a couple of bricks are often left without mortar. The cracks on the outside are then covered with a solution - so that it does not “pull” and there is no smoke. In order to be able to determine which of the bricks is removed, they are pushed forward a little. If necessary, the solution is chosen (with a wand, screwdriver, etc.), the bricks are removed, cleaned. Then they all return to their place. The second option for organizing access to channels in a brick chimney is cast-iron doors. Access is easier, but the selling price is higher.

Purpose and principle of operation of a log for cleaning chimneys

Log for cleaning chimneys is combustible briquettes, which include chemicals. Working with logs is quite simple. They are thrown into the furnace along with coals as ordinary fuel. After burning out, they fall on the walls of the structure and soften the soot, which then easily falls off or erodes.

The composition of artificial logs is almost the same for all manufacturers. It may include:

• coal wax;
• sawdust;
• silica;
• urea;
• ammonium sulfate;
• sodium salt.

What does a chimney sweeper look like?

All these ingredients are environmentally friendly and do not cause allergies. But if zinc chloride and phosphorus oxide are included in the composition, at their high concentration, complications for the skin and mucous membrane of the eye may appear.

Cleaning logs are a fairly good remedy for plaque in the chimney, but, unfortunately, they cannot cope with heavy soot. If the blockage is old, then the chemical method is recommended to be combined with mechanical cleaning.