I never do, I only clean mine once a year, thats all thats needed if your burning dry, seasoned wood. I'll go up and clean my cap on a warm day in Jan or Ill do it at the end of Dec if its nice out, dont want to be on the roof when theres snow and ice up there, been there and done it before.That makes sense....doing it at the end of the season.
What about sweeping while the stove is burning...low....or no?
Thanks
-Emt1581