Consumer Creosote Remover

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Nov 25, 2013
54
usa
I bought a home a few years ago with a poorly installed "slammer" style wood stove.

I am looking to install a new stove with liner and am in the process of cleaning the chimney before installing.

The problem is that I have some stage 3 glaze creosote in the throat of the fireplace.
The terra-cotta liner is spotless, after I cleaned it. (checked with flashlight and a go-pro)
All the products I see that are available to a consumer are heat activated and I don't feel comfortable firing up this stove.
I guess I could just build a fire in the fireplace.

Anyway, I am looking for a product I can spray dirrectly on the creosote in the throat. I have found some products and it seems they are all for lisenced sweeps. I really don't want to pay for a sweep if I don't have to.

Anyone ever use an angle grinder with an abrasive pad for removal?
 
Some pictures of what you are dealing with might help bring more suggestions.

Off the hip, based on your description, I'd be apt to put a mask on and do what you mention to get the deed done (also tarp off the surrounding areas).

pen
 
Some pictures of what you are dealing with might help bring more suggestions.

Off the hip, based on your description, I'd be apt to put a mask on and do what you mention to get the deed done (also tarp off the surrounding areas).

pen

Thanks for the reply, I thought I would get lynched for even mentioning an abrasive removal!

I have tried some Rutland brick cleaner that worked maybe 6/10, lots of scrubbing.

I tried TSP cleaner (powder mixed strong) I would give that a 5/10 Same amount of scrubbing

Also tried muratic acid/HCL (nasty stuff, gloves, full face resporator etc.) I was amazed how it didn't seem to touch the creosote on the brick, but cleaned the mortar joints right off. I'll give it a 5/10

I'm going to try some more brick cleaner and let it sit before I try the grinder.
 
^^ thats the stuff we use
fine product
Just ordered the liquid and the powder.
Will it work cold? Or do I need to build a fire to activate it? FYI it was 90deg+ today, it's going to be a little before I can get a fire going
 
Heat is what activates it. It's Sept., the weather should cool down on at least a night or two soon. We just dropped down to 59F with a passing squall. Chilly!
 
Heat is what activates it. It's Sept., the weather should cool down on at least a night or two soon. We just dropped down to 59F with a passing squall. Chilly!
Can't wait! I work in the field and am looking forward to the cooler temps. Bring it on.
I'll post an update on how it turns out
 
Well I used about 6 bottles of anything from muratic acid, to glass cleaner, to masonry cleaner, to fireplace soot cleaner.
the best stuff I used ended up being made by imperial. It was advertised as a fireplace/glass cleaner. lots of subsequent cleanings and rinsings did the trick. a little bit at a time.
a few CSL's in an open fireplace fire finished off the small amount that was in the flue tile.
now im off to run a new liner and install my new stove! the hard part is done!
 
for future reference i use the csl log as a final fire of the season and right about now i run a brush down and it comes off because the csl dries it up. it needs 4 weeks to work. works for me. i tried not using it one year just to see if all i needed was a little time for the tar to dry. got to October ran the brush and nothing came off. thats what i do. good luck.
 
Bleach will work. Put it in a spray bottle and let it soak.
 
Yes I have used Bleach to break down creosote.

Try a small section for your self and see for yourself.

I usually just let it soak then wipe it up with paper towels or rags.
 
Yes I have used Bleach to break down creosote.

Try a small section for your self and see for yourself.

I usually just let it soak then wipe it up with paper towels or rags.


how thick was the creosote that the bleach broke down? my chimney gets to be about 1/16 inch at thickest by the end of the burning season.
 
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