Best Overall
Meeco’s Red Devil 2-Pound Creosote Destroyer
Runner-up
Gardus SLK-24 SootEater Chimney Whip Brush
Best Bang for the Buck
Rutland Products 2-Pound Creosote Remover
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It ’s crucial to hit creosote in a chimney with a specially formulated creosote remover before it becomes problematic and , even worse , dangerous . Creosote is a spin-off of burning woodwind , coal , shot , or oil , which create flatulency as they burn down . These gases rise through the chimney , coating the inside of the chimney lining as they do . Today ’s fireplaces are design to allow maximal air flow , which foreshorten creosote buildup , but still , this design does n’t completely eliminate the issue .
induce a chimney professionally cleaned is one method to remove creosote , but it is n’t the only way . Handy individuals can clean the chimney themselves if they have the right puppet , and a variety of creosote - dissolve products are useable to help . We spoke to Tim Smith , owner ofActual Chimney Specialistsin Averill Park , New York , who say that creosote removers should be a part of anyone ’s Natalie Wood - burn down habits : “ It is a certain direction to carry off creosote when you are unaware of what is happening at heart of your lamp chimney throughout the season . ” He adds that “ new wood - burning appliances are much better at burning clean and efficient , which reduces creosote yield . ” Even so , he advocate having a chimney professional inspect the chimney before the season so you could shape what ’s the best option and product for your situation .
The best creosote remover for clean a lamp chimney will vary based on the amount of buildup and the cleaning method necessary to move out the accumulation . Our favorite isMeeco ’s Red Devil Creosote Destroyerfor its informality of usance and effectiveness . onwards , study why creosote buildup can be detrimental , search several of the factors to consider when buy creosote remover , and get wind some more of the right creosote remover on the market to keep your chimney clean and safe .
Our Top Picks
A good creosote remover should be relatively childlike to use . The product should treat the appropriate grade of creosote buildup and assist the user to maintain a sporting chimney . The trace products represent some of the best creosote removers on the market , featuring different types project for the various degrees of creosote buildup . When using any chimney creosote remover that curb chemical substance , always carefully watch over the manufacturer ’s software and safety instruction .
forbid creosote from building up in a lamp chimney lining and removing existing creosote can be as uncomplicated as sprinkling a few teaspoons of Meeco ’s Red Devil Creosote Destroyer over firewood or ember every third time a flame is lit in the fireplace . As the flaming burns , the remover ’s chemical — which include copper chloride , atomic number 14 dioxide , and fixed carbon — coat the chimney liner and keep creosote residue from adhering while also breaking down any existing buildup .
This creosote powder comes in a 2 - hammer tub , enough for 16 applications . Keep in mind that it is not intended to dispatch thick , hardened creosote deposits .
Get the Meeco ’s Red Devil creosote remover atAmazon , Menards , orHartville Hardware & Lumber .
No need to climb up onto the ceiling to bump off creosote with the Gardus SootEater Rotary chimney whip brush . Designed to clean wood - burn fireplace chimneys and wood - burning stove flues , this system of rules include eight 3 - foot , flexible prompt - connect rods ; a whip psyche ; and a drill adaptor . The user attach the whip headway to the top of a flying - connect rod and then unite the other end , via the adapter , to a standard drill .
When the drill is turned on , the whip head , which features strong 12 millimeter nylon strings , spins ( like a weed feeder ) and removes creosote buildup from inside the flue pipe or lining . The extra connect rod can be attached as need to reach higher in the chimney , and since each one is flexible , it ’s possible to clean around flexure in a flue pipe .
Get the Gardus creosote remover atLowe’s , Tractor Supply Co. , orThe Home Depot .
For an cheap way to remove creosote from a chimney or fluke , consider Rutland Products ’ 2 - lbf. tub of small-grained creosote remover . It ’s like a smaller version of the Best Overall pick , stop enough remover to treat a wood - burning fireplace or Mrs. Henry Wood - burning kitchen stove 16 times ; simply sprinkle a 1 - ounce scoop to a bed of hot coals one to two times per week .
The hotness from a fire releases the active ingredients , which then penetrate first- or second - grade coal-tar creosote . This remover melt the gummy , tarlike remainder and turn it into powdery ash tree that falls harmlessly to the bottom of the firebox .
Photo: depositphotos.com
Get the Rutland Products powder creosote remover atAmazon , Tractor Supply Co. ,The Home Depot , orRutland .
Best Log
Pine Mountain First Alert Creosote Buster
One of the simple way to prevent creosote buildup is with a creosote wholesale logarithm , such as the First Alert Creosote Buster from Pine Mountain . Simply off the out wrap and then place thefire logatop already - burn off enter the fireplace . The logarithm contain heat - give up chemical that become airborne and assay out first- and 2nd - level coal-tar creosote in the lamp chimney liner . These chemical then penetrate soot and residue and break it down , leaving it to dry and come to the firebox where it can be sweep off . The manufacturer commend adding a wholesale log to the fireplace once per time of year or , if the open fireplace is used frequently , once every 40 fires .
Made from renewable resources , the log is also an environmentally well-disposed choice for fight creosote buildup . It bring about up to 75 percent less particulate matter and 80 per centum less carbon monoxide than commontypes of firewood .
Get the Pine Mountain creosote remover atAmazon(2 - coterie ) orWalmart(1 - large number ) .
Photo: depositphotos.com
Best Spray
Rutland Products Rutland Liquid Creosote Remover
For pellet kitchen range users , Rutland Products liquid creosote remover nebulizer is an optimal discussion that requires spraying the liquid on the shot before loading them into the stove ’s hopper . As the pellets fire , the chemical substance release , and the accelerator pedal sink in first- and 2d - degree creosote buildup . The creosote dissolves and dry out , so it fall from the flue and into the bottom of the firebox .
This 32 - ounce bottle of spray remover is also suitable for wood stoves and wood open fireplace , where users can spray it directly onto the logarithm . For the best results , treat pellet or wood once per week to help keep flue and chimney liners well-defined .
Get the Rutland Products liquid creosote remover atAmazon , The Home Depot , orRutland .
Photo: Amazon
Best for Mild Creosote
Quick N Brite Fireplace Cleaner With Cleaning Brush
Creosote buildup is n’t always limit to the interior of a chimney liner or flue . If a fireplace is not a newer , airtight exemplar , it ’s common for fires to breathe bantam sum of soot along the exterior of the firebox , run to coloured grime on brick orstone fireplacesurrounds and mantels . This jet-black creosote residue can be challenging to remove with even household cleaners , but Quick N Brite fireplace cleaner helps dismiss the balance to make the hearth look fresh and fresh .
The 16 - ounce nursing bottle of gelatin concentrate is biodegradable , nontoxic , and environmentally friendly , making it dependable for people , pets , and the major planet . Apply it to sphere with stains and buildup with a wet scrub sponge , then rinse with water and rub with a fabric . For even heavy residue , the included scrubbing brush can be used as well .
Get the Quick N Brite creosote remover atAmazon , Walmart , orQuick N Brite .
Photo: Lowe’s
Best for Glazed Creosote
ACS Anti-Creo-Soot Liquid Creosote Remover
Soften glazed creosote and shrink the peril of chimney fires with the Anti - Creo - Soot liquid creosote remover from ACS . This potent anti - creosote spray should be sprayed daily in the firebox , over the woodwind instrument , and up in the flue ( sprayer not included ) . It make to break down inure , glazed creosote deposits in preparation for a professional lamp chimney sweep to clean .
This nontoxic liquid state should be applied at least 7 days in a row before schedule a professional cleaning . Once the coal-tar creosote is remove , proceed manipulation of the liquid will help keep deposition from reforming in the chimney or flue . It is desirable for economic consumption in wood- or ember - burn cooking stove and open fireplace as well as pellet stoves .
Get the ACS creosote remover atAmazon(1 gallon),Walmart(1 dry quart ) , orSaverSystems(1 gallon ) .
Photo: Amazon
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose the Best Creosote Removers
We search the top creosote removers on the market to compose our leaning . We looked at different type of products ( log , liquids , pulverisation , copse ) so shopper could choose what work best for them . Whether you ’d prefer a method that you only have to think about once per season or a product you could disperse on every couple of fires , we found something that will fit the bill . We also search for product that were eco - friendly and nontoxic for those who are more environmentally witting . Even though some product are pricey than others , we were focused on finding estimable value for the money .
What to Consider When Choosing a Creosote Remover
When it arrive tohow to clean a lamp chimney , the best plan is to take action sooner rather than by and by . Whether they utilise chemicals or poles and brushes to eliminate the buildup , creosote remover are most efficient when the coal-tar creosote is at the first- or second - degree phase . After that , it may still be possible for a professional person to remove the hardened , glazed buildup , but if the deposit are peculiarly heavy , the result may require replacing the chimney liner .
Smith offer some helpful advice about these types of product : “ These treatment products will not work very well if the moisture in the firewood is too high . ” He says distinctive firewood should be at 15 to 25 percent moisture content , which will keep the creosote manageable . “ If the wet substance is over that , these methods will have a concentrated fourth dimension combating the creosote product . ” What ’s your well move ? “ bribe your wood the year before so it has a chance to dry a full year . This will ensure you are burning the best way and baffle the most heat energy from your wood . This maintain repairs down and creosote at a minimum . ”
Product Type
The various types of creosote remover all work bestbeforecreosote evolve into a temper residue on the inside of a labial pipe or lamp chimney lining . However , while they go a long way toward keeping a lamp chimney free from residue , they are not a substitute forprofessional chimney service . For the practiced results , have the chimney professionally visit and cleaned before the cold season arrive . Then , use the following ware to keep it clean while enjoy the open fireplace :
What to Know About the Dangers of Creosote
Creosote deposit in a chimney can release toxic gases while a fire is lit below . If the gas back up into the home because the fireplace ( or kitchen stove ) is n’t adequately ventilate , they can cause wellness problems , such as headaches , combust eye , peel rashes , and external respiration difficulties .
In plus to health concerns , heavy creosote buildup is extremely flammable . It may head tochimney firesthat can get a cap or other parts of a house on fire . In addition to removing the creosote , call back that it ’s important to always keep afire extinguishernear the hearth or stove . When neglected , creosote buildup is also corrosive and can use up through steel chimney liners and flues .
Degrees of Creosote
It ’s essential to see and identify the various degree of creosote buildup for take the most effective product and remotion method acting . Various production take away different creosote stages , indicate by degree as determine by the thickness and physical properties of the deposits .
First Degree
First degree is the least dangerous grade of creosote buildup . It consists of a loose , sooty flick that adheres to the lamp chimney liner , much like a layer of dust . At this phase , the creosote is wry and eccentric and can be easily brushed away duringfireplace cleaning .
Second Degree
As more creosote down payment stick to the lamp chimney ’s liner , the heat from subsequent fires metamorphose them into a slurred , sticky substance that adheres to the liner — this is the 2nd level of creosote buildup . At this point , chemicals are necessary to fade away the coal-tar creosote , and scraping or brush may be required .
Third Degree
If further neglect , the vivid heat from fires can reverse mucilaginous creosote deposits into a hardened glaze — third - stage creosote buildup — which is difficult to remove and will in all probability ask aprofessional chimney sweep . At this point , scorching fires in the hearth can get the glass over creosote deposit to melt down and dribble to the bottom of the firebox . This creates an even greater health and fire hazard . Why ? Creosote was once used to treat exterior wood timbers , such as those used to build railroad track , to forbid rotting . cogitation intimate that creosote could be carcinogenic ( cancer causing ) ended the practice .
FAQs
Creosote is a lifelike byproduct of a burning fervency , but once heavy deposit form , it can be difficult to withdraw — even for a professional . For those who enjoy wood , ember , or shot fervency , some questions about creosote and creosote remover are uncouth .
It can be . When blistering , creosote can release fumes that cause respiratory problems , and middleman with bare hide can go to innervation , red , or rashes . Some written report also indicate that coal-tar creosote may be a carcinogen ( a cancer - causing factor ) .
When it comes to what dissolve creosote , yes , creosote removers really do work . However , only employ them as recommended and to do by the appropriate degree of creosote buildup .
Photo: Amazon
No , the hotter the fire , the more likely it is tocausecreosote .
Burn a creosote log once every 30 to 60 fires , depending on the trade name of the logarithm .
Yes , creosote logs will help clean house away bank deposit in a Natalie Wood - stove fluke just as in a Sir Henry Wood - combust fireplace .
Photo: Amazon
Smith sound out that you ca n’t overdrive these treatment ; however , he adds that some of the products in the day-to-day treatment types can expose user to cancer - causing chemical substance . “ Using these chemical more will put you at health peril , and it may be estimable to stick to the manufacturing business ’s recommended program , ” he says .
Coal and wood creosote are two different substances . Coal creosote is a thick , oily liquid that is amber to black in color . Wood creosote is a colorless to yellowish greasy liquid . It has a smoky olfactory sensation .
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