Consumer Creosote Remover

[EG GREV NED MIN ELD]

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?

 

[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

 

[EG GREV NED MIN ELD]

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.

 

[begreen]

Try this stuff:
(broken link removed)

 

[Heatsource]

^^ thats the stuff we use
fine product

 

[EG GREV NED MIN ELD]

^^ 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

 

[begreen]

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!

 

[EG GREV NED MIN ELD]

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

 

[EG GREV NED MIN ELD]

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!

 

[fbelec]

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.

 

[Huntindog1]

Bleach will work. Put it in a spray bottle and let it soak.

 

[fbelec]

Bleach will work. Put it in a spray bottle and let it soak.

have you tried this?
how well did it work?
any scrubbing or peeling?

 

[Huntindog1]

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.

 

[fbelec]

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.