Tarcreoste

[AppalachianStan]

Just had my son-in-law over to take my top Class A 3' Chimney down so I can clean the cap. It was build up 2/16 of glazed creosote only in the last 3' of chimney and cap. Tried to clean it, but it's on there good. I run my 8" brush down the pipe got most of it clean. The cap I had to scrap it out the best I could but there is still a small amount there. I did not get any pics.

1. What is the best way to clean it off?
2. Will it be okay until spring?

 

[milleo]

I would try to burn it off with a torch but I'm not sure that is the proper thing to do or not.....

 

[pen]

I use a wire brush, one like you might use to remove loose paint.

Sooooooo, you have next year's wood on hand yet

pen

 

[AppalachianStan]

Hope so. I have some cord of oak thats been on the ground for 2 years, but just got CSS about 2 weeks ago. Looking for a cord of ash too.

 

[Pallet Pete]

I know it's not strictly safe but I clean my cap with a little oven cleaner and it literally washes it clean.

Pete

 

[pen]

I know it's not strictly safe but I clean my cap with a little oven cleaner and it literally washes it clean.

Pete

I can't see that hurting anything.

 

[AppalachianStan]

I know it's not strictly safe but I clean my cap with a little oven cleaner and it literally washes it clean.

I try that when I take it down in spring.

 

[Pallet Pete]

I can't see that hurting anything.

It's just hard on the lungs is all if you get to close.

Pete

 

[Pallet Pete]

I try that when I take it down in spring.

I think I rubbed it down with a toothbrush last time however it isn't really necessary.

Pete

 

[Beetle-Kill]

I know it's not strictly safe but I clean my cap with a little oven cleaner and it literally washes it clean.

Pete

I am sooo gonna try that in a few months.

 

[rideau]

Warm ammonia cleans an oven really easily and well. Would probably work well on creosote as well, cheaper and probably safer than oven cleaner, andapt to be conveniently on hand.

 

[remkel]

Inhaled oven cleaner once. Will never touch the stuff again.

 

[rkshed]

Mapp gas for mine.
Burns it off nicely.

 

[mellow]

I have heard that burning the CSL logs before doing a cleaning helps to make the creosote easier to remove, heck, some people even say burning aluminum cans in the fire before doing a cleaning helps.

 

[Heatsource]

^the CSL is a rip off
when we run into tar in the field, we apply "cre-away". then in a few weeks its easy to sweep
this is equal to many, many CSLs http://www.homesafetyproducts.biz/Cre_Away_p/cre-away.htm

 

[AppalachianStan]

Thanks A1Stoves

 

[Heatsource]

you can apply cre-away directly to the pipe from the cap, or spray it up into the chimney during burn cycle