How Does Creosote Buster Log Work?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Chimney sweeping logs advertise themselves as an alternative to a professional chimney sweeping. As they burn, the smoke from the

logs loosens creosote in the flue

; as it loosens, the creosote then falls down and into the firebox where it can be easily removed.

Do creosote removing logs really work?

Many homeowners wonder if the chimney sweep logs or creosote sweeping logs really work to clean out fireplace flues and get rid of creosote residue so that the fireplaces are safe to use. The short answer is

no, they don’t work

. At least, not well enough to completely clean out the flue the way it should be cleaned.

How do you use creosote buster?

Many homeowners wonder if the chimney sweep logs or creosote sweeping logs really work to clean out fireplace flues and get rid of creosote residue so that the fireplaces are safe to use. The short answer is

no, they don’t work

. At least, not well enough to completely clean out the flue the way it should be cleaned.

Is creosote Buster safe?

The Creosote Buster Firelog is made of hardwood floor transformation residue, with no binder; therefore,

it is safe for the environment and your health

.

Can you burn wood with a creosote log?

Creosote Sweeping Logs are

compatible with fireplaces

, wood stoves, fireplace inserts, gas starter fireplaces, wood/coal stoves, wood/oil mixed boilers, and wood furnaces. They should never be used with BBQs, gas logs, electrical appliances, oil stoves, or pellet stoves.

Will a hot fire remove creosote?

One method to loosen crusty or tarry creosote so it flakes off and falls down into the firebox or fireplace is

to burn aluminum cans in a very hot fire

. While this method works, it does not clean the chimney of creosote completely, and chimney brush cleaning is still necessary.

What dissolves creosote?

Creosote is moderately soluble in water. Spraying water onto the creosote will help to remove the liquid. However, creosote is a type of oil that is never removed fully by water.

Bleach and industrial cleaners

will help to pull the creosote out of clothes and off of skin or other surfaces.

How often should you burn a creosote log?

For the best results, you should use

one log for every 60 fires

. If you’re not sure how frequently you use your chimney, keep track of every fire. You might hit 60 fires in two months, or it could take longer.

How quickly does creosote build up?

It usually takes

between 6 months and a year for logs

to be seasoned. Fires built with seasoned firewood burn clean enough that creosote deposits are kept to a minimum. Unseasoned logs, on the other hand, quickly add to the highly flammable buildup in your flue.

Do Duraflame logs cause creosote?

Independent tests show that duraflame

®


firelogs do not produce the hardened flammable tar deposits known as creosote

, commonly produced from burning high moisture content wood fires. And the soot left in the chimney after burning firelogs has almost no BTU value so it can’t be reignited to cause a chimney fire.

Will burning rock salt to clean chimney?

Put a

little salt in the fire while it is burning

. The salt combines with the water in the burning wood to create a weak acid that travels up the chimney and dissolves small amounts of creosote.

How do I prevent creosote buildup in my chimney?

The best way to control creosote is to prevent its buildup by

maintaining a briskly burning fire with dry, well-seasoned wood

. Maintain a flue temperature exceeding 250 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent creosote condensation. Some new, more efficient stoves deliver more heat to the room than an open stove or fireplace.

Are chimney cleaning logs safe?

Are Cleaning Logs Safe? When you use them often and correctly, these

logs are safe

. You can burn the creosote log in your fireplace, so you don’t need to get into your chimney. These logs have chemicals that loosen the creosote, but you can use them in any wood-burning fire.

How do I get rid of Level 3 creosote?


Sodium chloride

, also known as table salt, is a simple chemical that is easy to find. Put a little salt in the fire while it is burning. The salt combines with the water in the burning wood to create a weak acid that travels up the chimney and dissolves small amounts of creosote.

Do potato peelings clean your chimney?

Toss the potato peels carefully into a burning fireplace. The potato peels

burn at high energy

and will help push the soot and creosote out of the chimney.

At what temp does creosote ignite?

All it takes to ignite creosote in hoods, filters, and ducts is a spark, burning ember, or flame that raises the creosote temperature to

165-degrees F.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.