A clean chimney in good condition produces almost imperceptible, clear or white smoke when lit with wood fuel. If the smoke is dark, and the firewood produces a dark orange flame instead of light orange, it means that the stove is overgrown with soot. A clue may also be the uncharacteristic loud cracking of wood, which cannot be justified by its species.
What kind of firewood cleans a chimney?
For this purpose, hardwood species with a low content of resinous substances are chosen:
- Aspen – heats the pipe walls to high temperatures, burning out soot. Dry aspen firewood burns well, leaving a minimal amount of ash. The strong draft generated during combustion affects the ash flakes and pulls them out of the chimney, and the steam of this wood additionally disinfects the room.
- Alder is less effective, but can soften soot. Alder firewood burns intensely, forming a high, although not the hottest, flame, and the smoke has a pleasant aroma and draws out toxins.
The wood can be combined with other logs. Give preference to oak, hornbeam or birch firewood with a high combustion temperature and good heat transfer.
Other chimney cleaning methods
In addition to firewood, for cleaning the chimney they also use:
- Potato peelings – when starch burns, steam is released, causing soot to decompose and fall away from the walls.
- Coarse rock salt – softens soot and removes it with other combustion products.
- Chemicals – briquettes and powders with a composition harmless to humans.
- Mechanical method – cleaning the canals using special brushes and brushes.
Results
From a theoretical point of view, some firewood can help clean a chimney if it is clogged with soot and soot, but it is important to remember that no wood option will cope with this task 100%. Regular professional chimney cleaning and maintenance will still be required, so this will need to be done at least once a year.