Every spring, homeowners get the urge to clean out their homes and rid themselves of clutter and useless junk. They spring clean the windows, cabinets, attics, and garages. However, most of them completely forget about the fireplace and chimney sweeping. Thankfully, you’ve got the team at Chimney Champions to remind you why springtime is the perfect time for this chore. Today, we’ve giving you some helpful tips you can use to clean your fireplace this spring.
1. Let It Cool
Before you even begin to think about cleaning out your fireplace, you should let it and the chimney cool completely. Letting the entire structure cool off before you clean can take longer than you might expect. That’s why it’s always best to give it at least 24 hours since your last fire. Additionally, this will ensure that any soot remaining in the flue has settled, and you don’t risk breathing it in.
2. Wear a Mask
When dealing with soot and ash from your fireplace, it’s always best to wear a mask or a protective face covering. You might even take it a step further and wear goggles to protect your eyes. Ash and soot can get all over the place, and breathing in the dust can cause lung irritation. Additionally, there are dangerous chemicals that are given off when you burn logs, so wearing a mask protects you and your long-term health.
3. Use Newspapers
Like we stated above, cleaning out your fireplace can be a big mess if you’re attempting it on your own. That’s why we suggest you have plenty of newspapers around, and lay these down around your fireplace as well as on the carpet or ground surrounding the structure. This will help catch any of the soot or dust that escapes your cleaning efforts. If you don’t want to deal with any of the mess, we suggest giving our team a call for professional cleaning.
Get Your Inspection Today
Regular chimney and fireplace inspections and sweeps are an important part of home and chimney ownership. If it’s been a while since you’ve had your chimney and fireplace swept or inspected, then call Chimney Champions today! We can also do some repairs and replace caps that can make a big difference in the safety and functionality of your fireplace. We proudly serve residents throughout Jacksonville, FL, so schedule your appointment online or call us today at (904) 268-7200.