Pros And Cons of Cleaning Logs

A warmly lit wood-burning fireplace is a common sight in many homes. Yet, while everyone enjoys the fireplace’s ambiance, chimney cleaning is not on top of many Christmas lists. Unfortunately, the winter season is when most chimney fires occur, resulting in millions of dollars of property damage, injuries, and even deaths.

While shopping at a big box retailer or hardware store, you may have seen chimney cleaning logs on display. They are often advertised under various brand names as a safe and effective way to clean a chimney. But do they really work, and can they be used in your heating appliance? Here are the pros and cons of cleaning logs.

What Are Cleaning Logs, and How do They Work?

Cleaning logs are also called chimney sweeping logs (CSLs). Creosote Cleaning Logs® is a popular brand. Cleaning logs are wrapped in a package that contains chemicals to loosen creosote buildup in the flue. Essentially, it turns the hardened or glazed stage 3 creosote into a powdery substance that makes it easier to remove.

You toss the entire package into the fireplace and light it like a wood log. Some of the powdery creosote will fall to the floor in the firebox. Then, sweep the firebox before lighting your next fire. You will need to check the package to ensure the cleaning log is safe for your fireplace or heating appliance. If you’re unsure, contact your chimney professional.

Or, if you reside in northern Illinois or the southern Wisconsin region, please call 262-763-3522 to speak with a professional chimney sweep.

Do I Still Need to Hire a Professional Chimney Sweep?

While chimney cleaning logs or CSLs can help reduce creosote buildup, they don’t actually remove the flammable residue from the flue. So, you will still need to hire a chimney sweep to remove the loose creosote flakes inside the flue. However, they can be an effective mid-season solution between regular chimney sweep visits.

Pros

• Easy to use – Toss the log into the fireplace, and it goes to work.
• Reduces creosote buildup in the flue.
• It lessens the risk of a chimney fire.
• It helps keep your chimney clean between professional sweepings.
• They can be used in wood-burning fireplaces, heating stoves, and inserts.

Cons

• Not a substitute for professional chimney cleaning.
• Although safe to use, chemicals in the CSL may produce an odor.
• Chimney cleaning logs cannot be used in gas heating appliances, such as gas fireplaces and stoves.
• Cleaning logs loosen creosote in the chimney but don’t eliminate it.
• Loosened creosote can still catch fire if the chimney isn’t swept regularly.

Chimney Cleaning Service

If it has been 12 months or more since your last visit, please call Burlington Fireplace at 262-763-3522 today to schedule a professional chimney inspection and cleaning. Our chimney professionals will thoroughly remove all flammable creosote so you can enjoy a safe and warm holiday season. We serve customers in Bristol, WI, Waterford, WI, Antioch, IL, Fox Lake, IL, and communities throughout southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Or contact us online for a free estimate.