Creosote Sweeping Log: Chimney Fire Waiting to Happen

I threw in one of the CSLs today, the old lady picked up two of them on clearance over the summer and the curiosity was getting to me. About three minutes after the thing went in my stove thermometer read 700 and I closed down the damper. As Stewie would says, "What the hell, man!" I get onli e and read up a bit, which I should have down in the first place, to find that these things are likely useless for their claims and are many times more likely to cause a chimney fire than to prevent it. Anyway, anyone want a stupid log?

 

Are you needing to sweep Jack?

 

I was planning one for January. I swept in late summer.

 

Have you checked? That reclaimer just makes me nervous for you.

 

No, I haven't checked since before the cold spell we just came out of. Maybe I will give it a clean this weekend.

 

Jack, nothing replaces a good sweeping of the chimney. I happen to use the Rutland Creosote Remover powder once a week. A small scoop added to a hot fire is all that is needed. Does it do anything? I have no idea, but I don't see how it can hurt. It is cheap enough to use. One tub lasts a season, and you can get it for $9.95 at Tractor Supply Co.

Remember, nothing replaces good and safe practices. Checking the flue visually is important during the burning season. I find that the shoulder season is the worst for developing soot and creosote. Once we get to the regular burning season I get the light colored tan fluffy stuff with the good hot fires consistently burning.

 

Yep, sweeping is king. I am just kind of annoyed I got sucked into thinking this product could help in some way, but from researching afterwards it seems like it is more likely to hurt. From what I read products like this and the one you use, if they do anything they knock a small amount of creosote down where it can more easily combust and start a chimney fire. I am throwing this junk out.

 

I have used them in the old stove before and never had a problem.
Only use them in a cold stove, And sweep the chimney after use

 

I looked at the CSL website, and that's not what it says. You're actually supposed to put them on hot ambers. I'm not sure where one would find a hot amber in your area, and I'm not sure what she is supposed to do with it after you light it.

That website is full of great info, by the way. And grammatical errors.

 

If I find a hot amber in my area I'm telling everybody.

I've used that Rutland powder in the past & it works great.

 

Amber is a common stage name, should be easy to find one.

 

My neighbors who are burners with a smoke dragon only use them. He is on FD with me. He said they work and the stuff dries and falls down!!! But looking at the creosote sickles on his cap I have my doubts!!

 

I burnt the other one in the yard just for fun. Smells like gun powder.

 

Well, if I find a hot Amber in my area, I'm keeping her all to myself, ...and please don't tell my wife!

 

Taking off the reclaimer and giving the chimney a good sweeping today. Better safe than sorry. After this I should be good for the rest of the year.

 

Sorry for the derail but what's your opinion of the reclaimer? I have heard a lot of bashing but very few firsthand accounts.

 

I think it worked well with the little Lopi, but after today's cleaning it doesn't seem to have gotten along with the King. How I am interpreting it: works well enough with high efficiency stove, not recommended for less efficient stoves.

 

I would think it would increase creosote but with good wood and frequent xleanings I don't see an issue.

 

Good point. If you're willing to clean the chimney as often as necessary and you need the heat that would be going up the chimney, what's the harm.

 

Ya but....You said you have less than perfect wood this year...I remember you saying that in a earlier post....