It is an important aspect of a home to have a clean chimney. But sometimes the ways how to keep our chimney clean are not always at our disposal. So how do we truly solve theash and creosote buildup dilemma then? Not to mention the nesting critter up in the chimney hole? Will they remain to be unsolved and your chimney left reliving the scene of a classic haunted house horror movie, all too dark and dusty? If you do not want these to happen to your chimney, brace yourself up and get moving.
Fortunately, that truth is there are a lot of ways to do about it and moreover they are even pretty simple. One would just have to begin with a good state of mind and a dose of enthusiasm to be up and running. Here are some tips:

Have the chimney inspected – should be your first step. You have to truly know when the cleaning time for your chimney really is. Although it would be appreciated to clean it up every day, even at times when it is not in use, cleaning the chimney at the right time would save you the unnecessary effort to a peripheral maintenance routine. (It simply means you don’t have to clean it every day, at least have some life!). You can have your chimney checked by hired professionals or experienced contractor that have credible background in dealing with indoor fireplaces. When the chief says green, then off with those brooms and brushes, you’re good to go for the sweep. It is advisable to have your chimney inspected at least once year to see if it needs overhauling. The checks actually doesn’t only reveal the urgency of having your chimney cleaned up, it also inspects potential problems in the long run. Like spotting buildups that may cause chimney fire or blockages.

When a fireplace is functional, it simply means you will eventually have to clean it up, because the burning process would always leave-off black stains on someplace afterwards. And safety is often a consideration when this effect happens. Creosotes, which are actually buildups caused by cinder residues, may accumulate on the chimney corners or within the hearth’s brick seams, if catches fire could possibly burn instantaneously. In addition to that, an unclean chimney musters carbon monoxide at home which is harmful to health. That’s why if there’s a buildup, you should have your chimney cleaned right away.

When using a brush to clean the chimney, make sure to use the right sizes of brush. The gaps in between the bricks of your hearth may require a more specific sizes for a brush. You may never be able to get to those stuck creosotes and cinders if you are to use brush sizes that can’t squeeze into the in between. Also, when using a broom make it a point to use the long ones so that it could reach the far ends of the chimney. Though sweeping the chimney can be personally done, it would always to be better to have a professional to do it. Their expertise and tools can execute the task faster and safer.

Making use of a chimney cap could prevent birds or any critter from nesting at the top of your chimney. These nests may clogged up your chimney which probably would lead to the eventual buildups within.
Of course when cleaning the chimney by yourself, always bear in mind to wear protective clothing in order to prevent occupational hazards from taking place. Always have the presence of mind and be aware of what you are doing. This includes you taking all the necessary safety precautions like wearing eye protection, gloves and dust masks. When you will be doing the cleaning on the roof make sure to use slip-proof boots.