I just went up the ladder to clean my chimney. There are lots, and I mean lots of big chunks of hard creosote that my brush won't touch. It is a 7" square, lined chimney, put up 8 years ago. I've cleaned it every year, but this year the creosote seems so hard that my 7" square brush isn't bringing down much creosote. Are there any products to soften the stuff so I can knock it off?
I’ve used this stuff with decent results. Run it up the pipe with a small fire like in the instructions, and toss on a pine mountain chimney log. Also apply it directly on the tough spots at the top. If it’s real bad it might take a couple tries to let it work and loosen things up. Also used this through the year. People can say what the will, this stuff helps. It not a fix-all or miracle cure but it does help when given some time to do its thing. Owl
Get a drill attachment with spinning chains. Don't risk one of those chunks lighting up, the remaining ones will likely catch fire too. It's not worth turning your back on, no evidence creosote reducers work. We bought a home with a similar chimney, this worked well. www.amazon.com/Chimney-60147-Chain-daptor-Steel/dp/B0052SUNHA/ref=sr_1_30?sr=8-30 Check your wood too, ensure it's seasoned and resin is not going up the flue.
I've used CSL logs in my OWB the last two years in the springtime. They don't remove the creosote, but it definitely dries it up and makes it much easier to remove.
I posted pictures here somewhere- of a sweep I did after at least 2 years of no sweeping and using the ACS. It works. I have gone even longer this time around and I'll post pictures again if I get to it. I don't think anything actually removes creosote but ACS does keep it from building up to the point OP posted about. I have yet to see any "chunks" it's just dust when I sweep. I've used ACS for 12 years now I suppose.
A previous Admin here tested a or some creosote logs. They got very hot, hot enough to start a chimney fire for those using them in not well maintained chimneys but his tests did not show removal, just getting it hot. I thought it was in Resources but I don't see it, sorry I can't link it.
