How to clean this creosote

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CJK440

Member
Hearth Supporter
Oct 4, 2008
25
Southern Connecticut
I'm a DIY guy. I've been cleaning my chimney with a soot eater and it works great getting the liner down to clean terra cotta from the smoke chamber to the top. But always struggled with cleaning the walls of the smoke chamber. One side especially (pictured) with a glossy black tarlike coating.

I broke down and ordered a liner and insulation kit so this is hopefully the last time I am cleaning the masonry.

What can i use to knock this glossy stuff off? Keep in mind of course its up above my 5x20" damper opening so getting in there is difficult.....
 

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Keep in mind of course its up above my 5x20" damper opening so getting in there is difficult.....
Cut the damper out of the way which you will need to do anyway to install the liner correctly. And it will be much easier to access. We typically use a rotary cleaner with either chains or cables on to get off stuff like that. You clay liners are not clean enough either from what I can see.
 
Cut the damper out of the way which you will need to do anyway to install the liner correctly. And it will be much easier to access. We typically use a rotary cleaner with either chains or cables on to get off stuff like that. You clay liners are not clean enough either from what I can see.

I haven't started yet, the clay liner gets clean. My damper is cast iron and built into the chimney I know i am going to have to cut a bit to get a 6" round liner thru otherwise I'll have to ovalize but I'll have to look to see how much access it really gives me.
 
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