Cleaning Flue without removing the baffle in my Clydesdale

[JoeRJGR]

All,

I have had my Clydesdale now for about 5 years. Have been cleaning the flue every fall from the top down and usually get maybe 1/2 inch of soot in the bottom of a coffee cup. None of this is hard with the exception of removing /installing the baffle.

I have about foot of hearth in front f the unit, and sitting on my knees and trying to maneuver that thing in is always a challenge. Two years I broke it an managed to glue it back together with fireplace cement. This year I would much rather leave the baffle in place.

I realize that if I bang the baffle with my cleaning rod I can damage, it...but I'm wondering if I have my wife somehow look to see when its there, or just go very gently....? Also, if I attempt this, where exactly would the soot go???

Thanks for the advice...I know I'll get a lot of advice on how to replace the baffle, but honestly I would really like to see if I can avoid that.

Thanks

 

[webby3650]

The soot wil just lay on the baffle partially blocking the flue collar. You need to drop the baffle on this unit.
It’s actually a pretty easy baffle to maneuver compared to some others.

 

[JoeRJGR]

I understand...its my back that doesn't.....and I just don't do it enough to be good at it...anyway I could vacuum the soot out between the baffle and the tubes...I sort of remember there being a small gap there.

Thanks for the reply...