The sun is beginning to poke through the clouds and the winter blues are finally starting to disappear. Spring is on its way! With the new season comes the promise of brightly colored flowers and, of course, warmer weather. As temperatures begin to rise, you’ll need your fireplace less frequently. Before you shut off your fireplace, consider having it deeply cleaned so it’s ready to go when the next bout of cold weather strikes. According to The Chimney Sweep in Kernersville, NC, there are several things you should and shouldn’t do when chimney cleaning.

The Do’s & Don’ts of Chimney Cleaning

Do: Let Things Simmer

Give your fireplace some time to cool down before you start in on the process of chimney cleaning. Ideally, let it cool for a full 24 hours. Embers and ashes can still be hot or partially lit, even after the main fire has been extinguished. You can pour water on top of the ashes if necessary. Once they’re cooled, vacuum or sweep them into a dustpan and take them outside.

Don’t: Use Flammable Cleaners

Many homeowners use harsh chemicals for chimney cleaning. You never want to use abrasive or flammable cleaning products to clean anything in or around your chimney. Using flammable chemicals in the same area where you light fires is dangerous.

Do: Clean Regularly

It’s easy to put off chimney cleaning, but you should do it more than once or twice a year. The more frequently you clean your fireplace, the easier it will be to maintain. At the very least, clean the grate and sweep ashes off the hearth after every use.

Don’t: Use Cleaners Without Testing Them

It’s easy to find some maintenance tips, buy some cleaner, and test it out on your fireplace and chimney. However, this method could result in accidents, stains, or damage to your belongings. Never dive into a new cleaning method without testing a small section of your fireplace first.

If you aren’t sure where to begin with chimney maintenance or need a deeper clean, work with The Chimney Sweep. The North Carolina company has been in the business for more than 30 years and is well-versed in everything from chimney inspections and sweeping to repairs and cleaning. For a full list of their services, visit their website or call (336) 993-8999.