Creosoting is the process of vacuum and pressure impregnation of wood with hot creosote oil. Creosote oil is a quality preservative made from the distillation from coal tar; the coal tar itself is released from the coal during the coking process as part of the high oven process during the production of steel.
How does creosote remover work?
Nov 22, 2019 · The first piece of advice to anyone contemplating using a Creosote Sweeping Log is to light a wood fire first. The wood fire will heat the tar within the chimney as well as improve the draft, which is essential for the chemicals released in the burning of the CSL to be distributed well so they can do their work.
What is the best way to use a creosote sweeping log?
HOW THE CSL REALLY WORKS 1. The Creosote Sweeping Log burns for approximately 90 minutes. Making a wood fire prior to using CSL will heat the tar on your chimney wall, while it improves your draft. 2. The smoke from CSL is charged with additives, which rises and attach themselves to the creosote deposits.. 3.
What happens if you put creosote in a woodstove?
Creosoting is the process of vacuum and pressure impregnation of wood with hot creosote oil. Creosote oil is a quality preservative made from the distillation from coal tar; the coal tar itself is released from the coal during the coking process as part of the high oven process during the production of steel. Applications
How long does it take for creosote sweeping to work?
Feb 11, 2016 · Creosote fires are a major cause of house fires in our area, and it’s imperative that fireplace and woodstove chimneys are regularly cleaned to keep you and your family safe. Getting back to the question of “do those chimney sweeping logs really work?” the first part of the answer is yes, they do work – to some extent. These types of logs contain a chemical catalyst with can …
How does creosote buster work?
The Creosote Sweeping Log burns for approximately 90 minutes. Making a wood fire prior to using CSL will heat the tar on your chimney wall, while it improves your draft. 2. The smoke from CSL is charged with additives, which rises and attach themselves to the creosote deposits..
Does the creosote 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.
Does anti creosote spray work?
This spray bottle is effective on creosote because it is a liquid manganese catalyst, catalyzing the breakdown of creosote. You can use the product on almost anything: boilers, fireplaces, pellet stoves, furnaces, wood or even coal burning stoves.
Does creosote destroyer work?
5.0 out of 5 stars It works! I've used this product for years, in our wood stove, that we use 24/7, in cold weather. I inspect our chimney yearly, with a flashlight and mirror, and this cleans 100% of the creosote it falls down to the bottom, at the cleanout.
Will a hot fire remove creosote?
Avoid Smoldering. Many homeowners allow their fire to smolder until it burns itself out. As the fire begins to burn out more creosote is produced at the lower temperatures. Rather than allowing the fire to smolder, it should be extinguished.Jul 26, 2019
What dissolves creosote?
Vinegar is a natural acid that will break down the creosote over time. All you have to do is pour vinegar onto the creosote and then wait for it to dissolve. If you want to take a more natural approach, try dissolving the creosote using salt water instead of vinegar or chemical cleaners.Dec 23, 2021
What is the strongest creosote removal?
BEST OVERALL: MEECO'S RED DEVIL 5-pound Creosote Destroyer.RUNNER-UP: Gardus SLK-24 SootEater Rotary Chimney Liner Cleaning.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Rutland Products 2 lb Creosote Remover.BEST FOR MILD CREOSOTE: Quick N Brite Fireplace Cleaner with Cleaning Brush.More items...•Feb 23, 2021
How do you know if you have creosote build up?
If a homeowner notices a marked change in how well and long fires burn, a clogged chimney or a damper that's not properly open or working may be causing creosote buildup. An increase in odor from the fire, smelling more like a campfire than an indoor fireplace, is another sign of a dirty fireplace and chimney.Mar 21, 2022
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.Oct 22, 2020
How fast does creosote build up?
It typically takes between six months and one year for cut wood to get to a low moisture content. Do not burn artificial packaged logs in your fireplace or your woodstove, since they leave a large amount of creosote deposits. Burn hot fires that have plenty of air.
Do potato peels clean chimneys?
Potato peels and acorns help prevent creosote buildup in your chimney. Save your potato skins and collect acorns in the autumn. Just a handful thrown on top of a burning fire can help keep your chimney in good shape. Use ash from the fire to clean your fireplace.
What is creosote destroyer made of?
Creosote is formed when volatile gasses within the wood are emitted through the burning process. They combine and condense as they travel from that roaring fire through the chimney and around the interior of the cavernous fireplace. Creosote is made up of mostly tar.Jan 29, 2020
HOW THE CSL REALLY WORKS
1. The Creosote Sweeping Log burns for approximately 90 minutes. Making a wood fire prior to using CSL will heat the tar on your chimney wall, while it improves your draft.
CSL COMPATIBILITY
Fireplaces, woodstoves, fireplace inserts, gas starter fireplaces, wood/coal stoves, wood/oil mixed boilers and wood furnaces.
HOW MANY CSL DO I NEED
Woodstoves are well known to produce high amounts of creosote inside the flue pipes.
THE BENEFITS OF USING CSL
CSL's active ingredients effectively reduce creosote build-up in your chimney or flue. Our new and improved dual action formula also helps prevent new creosote build-up in flue pipes.
What is creosote oil?
Creosote oil is a quality preservative made from the distillation from coal tar; the coal tar itself is released from the coal during the coking process as part of the high oven process during the production of steel.
What is coal tar used for?
Coal tar creosote has been in use for over 150 years and has traditionally been used as a preservative for timber products as it deters wood-destroying insects and wood-rotting fungi better than any other wood preservative on the market.
How long do utility poles last?
Utility poles treated with creosote are expected to last 60 years, however some utility poles have been known to last over 100 years! In terms of value for money, nothing compares with creosoted timber; the choice of professionals for over 150 years.
Can creosote be used in playgrounds?
However since restrictions were enforced in 2003, creosoted timber must not be used: Inside buildings, In toys, In playgrounds, In parks, gardens and outdoor facilities where there is a risk of frequent skin contact, In the manufacture of garden furniture such as picnic tables,
What is a thorough cleaning?
A thorough, professional cleaning also includes an inspection which could reveal potentially hazardous situations such as breaks or breaches in the flue. Regular cleanings and inspections can alert you to problems before they become dangerous.
How to contact Doctor Flue?
Contact Doctor Flue! Before you light your next fire, make sure your fireplace and chimney are safe and sound by calling Doctor Flue and scheduling a thorough inspection! Contact us online or give us a call us at (800) 438-3583 to schedule your appointment today! Connect with Doctor Flue on Social Media!
BEFORE USING THE CSL
Prior to using the CSL, always perform a visual inspection of your chimney and flue to ensure that it is free of debris, bird's nests, or other obstructions.
GETTING STRATED
To ensure proper combustion of the CSL, pull the seams of the wrapper outward, to create an airspace between the CSL and the paper. This will allow it to catch fire more efficiently.
For Woodstoves, inserts and small fireplaces, use 1 CSL
It’s recommended for best results, to place the CSL on the hot embers after you have burned a regular fire.
For large fireplaces or when using 2 CSL at the same time
Remove the two CSLs from the box and place them both in your fireplace, 1 foot between each.
USING THE CSL WITH A WOODSTOVE OR FIREPLACE INSERT
Woodstoves are well known to produce high amounts of creosote inside the flue pipes.
USING THE CSL WITH A FIREPLACE
Fireplace chimneys produce less creosote but they are often harder to clean.
HOW IT WORKS
The combustion process when wood is burned is never complete. The smoke from a wood fire usually contains a dark brown or black substance which has a smoky odor. This tar like substance is called creosote, and it is found nearly everywhere in a wood heating system.
Creosote sweeping logs can improve your chimney's performance if used correctly
Creosote, the filmy residue deposited in a chimney by burning wood, is the bane of many fireplaces and a big reason a wood-burning fireplace needs to be inspected each year, since creosote deposits can increase fire risks. You may have seen creosote sweeping logs on the shelves at big-box stores and wondered if they really work.
Do experts recommend creosote sweeping logs?
The Chimney Safety Institute of America, which educates and advocates for industry professionals, gave their Accepted Product Status to the creosote sweeping log several years ago after the Joseph Enterprises product underwent a thorough testing and approval process.
Do I still need to hire a chimney sweep?
Eldridge adds that homeowners should still get an annual chimney inspection, whether or not they use the fireplace in a given year. “There are many things other than soot and creosote that can get into chimneys when you're not using them, such as animals, birds, branches and nests,” Eldridge says.
What is creosote remover?
Creosote removers remove that dark brown buildup of soot and burnt wood which can usually be seen inside your chimney or exhaust ventilation. It is used to ensure the safety of your home by preventing fires.
Why do chimneys catch fire?
It is because if the chimney burns, any other material that makes contact with the chimney also gets hot and may catch fire; especially if there are exposed sections of your chimney that could let the fire escape. The use of a creosote remover also extends the lifespan of your chimney.
Can you use a chimney brush to clean creosote?
Once its effects have chemically changed the creosote, you can proceed with the cleaning of your chimney using a chimney sweeper or chimney brush. Once you’ve done that, your chimney will be nice and clean like it was new. The ACS Liquid Creosote Remover is the first liquid-based solution in this list of creosote removers.
Can you use creosote remover on a chimney?
The use of a creosote remover also extends the lifespan of your chimney. Creosote removers are also not exclusively for use on chimneys; you can improve the efficiency of wood stoves and furnaces through the use of creosote removers. Because you are removing the obstruction inside the exhaust vent and lining of the firebox from excess creosote, ...
Is tar flammable?
This built up tar is flammable and is even used to treat wood to enhance its combustibility for fuel applications. Creosote removers work by breaking down the built up creosote on your chimney and turning them into harmless, non-flammable powder that can be easily rinsed off from your chimney after the treatment process.
Can you use creosote on a chimney?
If you use it on a dirty chimney and don't sweep, or use it when you are a creosote factory, It will at least plug the chimney, and in my opinion CAUSE a chimney fire!
Is Rutland Creosote cleaner corrosive?
It's been a while but I vaguely remembered something about looking at the safety sheets for Rutland creosote cleaner and finding TSP as a common ingredient. It’s used together with manganese acetate. Testing has shown this to be an effective combo as opposed to chloride based cleaners, which are not that effective and corrosive. Cre-away is another recommended cleaner.
