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The best time to clean your chimney is before you need to use it, which for most people is during the spring, summer, or early fall. Spring and summer are often ideal because the chimney is not in use, and chimney sweeps can access the roof more easily without snow and ice. The warmer months are also better for making any necessary repairs. To avoid the rush when chimney sweeps get booked up in early spring and late fall, scheduling your cleaning for the summer can be a safe bet. It's recommended to book your annual chimney sweep during these warmer months to maintain a yearly schedule.

One of the best ways to know your chimney is good to go on any given night is to simply look up into your flue with a flashlight. If you see a thick buildup of creosote—a shiny, dark substance that looks like tar—it’s best to have your fireplace professionally cleaned before you go ahead with the burn. Additionally, having your fireplace professionally inspected once per year can also help increase your peace of mind and keep your family and your home safe.

To burn garden waste, you can use a dug-out burn pit lined with stone or brick, a burn barrel, or a garden incinerator. If using a burn barrel, make sure it's made entirely of metal and properly equipped with screened vents and a metal top screen. Garden incinerators are designed for waste burning and should be operated according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Creosote logs can help to reduce new creosote build-up by about 60%, however they don’t replace regular cleaning. While creosote logs can help to prevent build-up of creosote in your chimney, they won’t remove build-up that’s already there. Creosote logs can be used as a preventative measure in conjunction with regular cleaning, but you will still need to clean your chimney about once per year.