Get matched with top chimney sweeps in Washington, VA

Q: Is it safe to live in a house with smoke damage?

• <div><p>It is generally not safe to live in a house with smoke damage, as even minor damage can pose long-term health hazards and structural risks. While it might seem safe temporarily depending on the severity, you should relocate if there is major damage or visible soot. Smoke smells and residue contain dangerous particulates and chemical compounds, including carcinogens, that are hazardous to breathe and can cause respiratory issues. These signs of damage are not always visible but can have dangerous short-term and long-term effects on your health, belongings, and your home's structural materials. You should not stay in the house until a trained professional from a smoke remediation or restoration company has assessed the damage and determined it is safe to return. Your insurance company may cover the cost of alternative housing while the professional work is completed.</p></div>

Q: Will smoke smell or odors go away on their own?

• <div><p>Smoke smell and odors typically will not go away completely on their own, especially once the particles have penetrated porous materials like walls, floors, ceilings, and furniture. While airing out affected items can help the smell subside over time, it often lingers for months or even years. To effectively remove stubborn smoke odors, you should combine several methods. Start with a thorough deep cleaning and deodorizing using substances like baking soda or activated charcoal. Air purifiers can also help capture airborne particles. In severe cases, you may need to replace heavily damaged materials. If the smell persists after repeated treatments, consider hiring a professional smoke damage restoration company for assistance.</p></div>

Q: Can smoke damage be completely removed?

• <div><p>In many cases, professionals can completely remove certain <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/smoke-damage-types.htm">types of smoke damage</a> from walls and ceilings, but it&rsquo;s only possible if the damage is minor. For more extensive damage from major fires, you&rsquo;ll likely need to replace the damaged materials entirely. Some items, like upholstered furniture, are much trickier to clean and might need to be replaced even if the smoke damage is minimal.</p></div>

Q: What are common challenges faced during fire or smoke damage restoration?

• <div><p>Challenges include ensuring structural safety, completing soot removal, meeting restoration codes, and effectively managing insurance claims.</p></div>

Q: What do I do if my dryer catches on fire?

• <div><p>Call 911 immediately. If you have a fire extinguisher or fire blanket near the laundry room, you can attempt to extinguish the fire, but don&rsquo;t open or touch the dryer. If you can&rsquo;t put the fire out, evacuate yourself, your family, and your pets from the house, closing the laundry room door behind you. Turn off the electricity to your home via the outside fuse box, then wait for the fire department. After a dryer fire, have your home&rsquo;s electrical system inspected to make sure there isn&rsquo;t any damage.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Chimney Sweeping pros in Washington, VA

*The Angi rating for Chimney Sweeping companies in Washington, VA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Chimney Sweeping needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Chimney Sweeping companies in Washington, VA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Chimney Sweeping needs.

Last update on October 03, 2022

Reviewed in October 2022
I called them for an inspection of my chimney since there is a leak found by my gutter cleaning guy who went in my attic and took photos. First Response said it would be $199 for the inspection and they couldn't do it for another month. I asked about the different levels of inspection and they...
First Response Chimney Sweeps & Services LLC
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Reviewed in October 2021
Jay is very friendly, responded fast and cleaned two chimneys in our home within an hour for the price of USD150 each. Apparently the chimneys were not very dirty, which we didn't know since we just bought the house. What I felt was missing is to get a professional receipt for the service that...
Jay Fincham Tree Service
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Reviewed in March 2021
Our first project with Peak Roofing Contractors was to replace our rotten fascia and rake boards. Their estimate was the most reasonable out of 3. Our house is passive solar so the vent on top of the fascia boards was not typical and no longer available. Not a problem. The company came up...
Peak Roofing Contractors, Inc.
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Reviewed in September 2019
He came unprepared to clean a chimney which is 2 stories high thus he never cleaned the chimney all the way from the top down. He only cleaned the first 10 ft or less of the chimney from the bottom of a fireplace insert. Then when i told him i had birds up there in the summer he only stuck a...
DuctClean1974
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Reviewed in November 2017
Davis Chimney is awesome. They were on time. They did a great job cleaning my chimney and were extremely careful about not getting my house dirty. Jason also took time to give me an estimate for work on a different chimney. I felt their prices were very fair. I will definitely have them back for...
Davis Chimney Service
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Reviewed in July 2017
We are selling our house and wanted to make sure the chimney was in good shape. There appeared to be some leaks that worked their way into the wood box. To address these issues and minimize any damage Chim Chim Churee provided three services: grind out and repoint mortar, chimney crown rebuild...
Chim Chim Churee Chimney & Masonry, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2016
Positive experience with All Swept Up Chimney in every sense, from subject matter expertise to excellent, on-time communication. The team to install my new fireplace system arrived on time, were polite, knowledgeable, and cleaned up after themselves. It was as if they'd never been there...
All Swept Up Chimney Services
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Reviewed in November 2015
Wow - punctual, courteous, professional, honest, and couldn't have asked for more. First of all, a quick comment: Most of the "A" rated services would not accept my business because I have pellet stove inserts. I assume this is simply because the stove has to be pulled out and disconnected....
Metropolitan Chimney Masonry Services Inc
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Reviewed in October 2013
It was great. He was running a little late and called to tell me exactly what time he would be there. (He called before the actual appointment time and was there about 30 minutes after the original appointment time.) He was knowledgeable about the chimney and cleaned up after so I didn't even...
ASH BUSTERS CHIMNEY SWEEP
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Reviewed in April 2013
Tried to sell me a new roof when I did not need one: I called Peak Roofing initially to fix water intruding coming into a kitchen window. My roof is 13 years old. They sent out a fellow named Buster who believed calking and replacing a pipe vent collar and calking over a few roof nails would...
Peak Roofing Contractors Inc
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Find Chimney sweeps in Washington

H & T Chimney Sweeping

4.8(

)

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyClean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stove+2 more

Serving Washington, VA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2019

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"tt Henok had SP H & T Chimney Sweeping they did some however, there were a few things they couldn't do for me. I got another SP outside the Angi network for the rest."

Crown is now finished with a 20 year warranty

Response time1 day

360 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by23%of homeowners

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Shamrock Maintenance Corp

4.5(

)

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect an oil-fired chimney+1 more

Serving Washington, VA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1985

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The team took care of my issues that I had with my stone archway. They were efficient and very friendly and explained what they were working on. He didn't try to upsell anything and was honest and fair about the work."

125 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Big Boys tree service

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney+1 more

Serving Washington, VA and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Offers commercial services

Ready to work. Happy to serve the area, work hard and can climb. Fair pricing efficient, friendly. Doing tree removal, chipping, clearing, stump grinding. Reasonably priced, clear communication.

16 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Mar cleaning

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney+1 more

Serving Washington, VA and surrounding areas

Approved

Hello, \n\nMy Name is Kenia. I have professional experience with both residential and office cleaning, ranging from deep cleaning to routine upkeep.\nI am reliable, thorough. I'd love to help you with your cleaning needs.\n\nKenia

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PS Removal & Hauling

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney+1 more

Serving Washington, VA and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

Veteran Owned Business lending a helping hand.

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

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j Houston logistics

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney+1 more

Serving Washington, VA and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Offers commercial services

We actually specialize in hoarding services. Very patient and accommodating staff. Simple garage clean outs , to complete home restorations.We look forward to helping you out soon.

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Pure Clean

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stove

Serving Washington, VA and surrounding areas

Approved

Pure Clean offers residential and commercial services to VA, WV, MD and surrounding areas. We offer both regular cleans as well as organic ones. We can customize you cleaning, organizing both on regular basis as well as one time service. We help create as well as execute the perfect experience to fit your needs. Please feel free to reach out and find out how we can help you.

6 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Sarah Comer

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney+1 more

Serving Washington, VA and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Offers commercial services

Hi, I’m Sarah Comer! I specialize in Airbnb cleaning, making your space spotless and guest-ready. Quick turnovers, deep cleans, and attention to every detail mean your guests leave happy—and your reviews stay five-star. Stress-free hosting starts here!

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Simmons Assembly

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney+1 more

Serving Washington, VA and surrounding areas

Approved

I pride myself and my crew to give the best service and treqt it as if it was ours

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Diego Rodriguez

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney+1 more

Serving Washington, VA and surrounding areas

Approved

We are a licensed, experienced construction and handyman service company with over 5 years of hands-on expertise delivering reliable, high-quality work across a wide range of services. Our specialties include drywall installation and repair, plastering, ceiling work, door installation, hardware setup, and full-service construction support. We also provide professional demolition, thorough cleaning services, furniture and equipment assembly, TV and picture frame mounting, and efficient moving and junk removal solutions. Known for our attention to detail and commitment to getting the job done right the first time, we take pride in offering dependable service at reasonable, competitive prices. Whether it’s a small home project or a larger renovation, we bring the knowledge, skill, and professionalism needed to exceed expectations every step of the way.

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Showing 1-10 of 33

Chimney Sweep questions, answered by experts

It is generally not safe to live in a house with smoke damage, as even minor damage can pose long-term health hazards and structural risks. While it might seem safe temporarily depending on the severity, you should relocate if there is major damage or visible soot. Smoke smells and residue contain dangerous particulates and chemical compounds, including carcinogens, that are hazardous to breathe and can cause respiratory issues. These signs of damage are not always visible but can have dangerous short-term and long-term effects on your health, belongings, and your home's structural materials. You should not stay in the house until a trained professional from a smoke remediation or restoration company has assessed the damage and determined it is safe to return. Your insurance company may cover the cost of alternative housing while the professional work is completed.

Smoke smell and odors typically will not go away completely on their own, especially once the particles have penetrated porous materials like walls, floors, ceilings, and furniture. While airing out affected items can help the smell subside over time, it often lingers for months or even years. To effectively remove stubborn smoke odors, you should combine several methods. Start with a thorough deep cleaning and deodorizing using substances like baking soda or activated charcoal. Air purifiers can also help capture airborne particles. In severe cases, you may need to replace heavily damaged materials. If the smell persists after repeated treatments, consider hiring a professional smoke damage restoration company for assistance.

In many cases, professionals can completely remove certain types of smoke damage from walls and ceilings, but it’s only possible if the damage is minor. For more extensive damage from major fires, you’ll likely need to replace the damaged materials entirely. Some items, like upholstered furniture, are much trickier to clean and might need to be replaced even if the smoke damage is minimal.

Challenges include ensuring structural safety, completing soot removal, meeting restoration codes, and effectively managing insurance claims.

Call 911 immediately. If you have a fire extinguisher or fire blanket near the laundry room, you can attempt to extinguish the fire, but don’t open or touch the dryer. If you can’t put the fire out, evacuate yourself, your family, and your pets from the house, closing the laundry room door behind you. Turn off the electricity to your home via the outside fuse box, then wait for the fire department. After a dryer fire, have your home’s electrical system inspected to make sure there isn’t any damage.

The Washington, VA homeowners’ guide to chimney sweeping services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Nick P. Cellucci
•
Jul 10, 2026Jul 10, 2026
How Much Does a Chimney Sweep Cost? [2026 Data]
Chimney sweep costs can be dramatically affected by the type of chimney, its location, and how dirty it is.
Chris Middleton
•
Jul 15, 2026Jul 15, 2026
How to Hire a Chimney Sweep
Your chimney sweep may not wear a top hat and dance on the ceiling, but they will keep your home safe by providing chimney inspections and cleanings. Follow these steps to learn how to hire a qualified and trusted chimney sweep in your town.
Chris Middleton
•
Jul 10, 2026Jul 10, 2026
Who Cleans Chimneys?
Regular chimney cleaning keeps your fireplace running safety and efficiently. But who cleans chimneys? Our guide explains which pro is best for the job.
Becca Lewis
•
Mar 6, 2026Mar 6, 2026
How to Clean a Chimney and When to Call in a Pro
A clean chimney can reduce your risk of poor indoor air quality and house fires. Use this guide on how to clean a chimney to keep you and your family safe.
Kristi Pahr
•
Jul 20, 2026Jul 20, 2026
How to Hire a Reputable Chimney Sweep That’ll “Soot” Your Needs
Knowing what to look for in a professional chimney sweeping service will ensure you hire a legitimate contractor. Learn how to avoid chimney scams and hire someone reputable.
Haniya Rae
•
Jul 15, 2026Jul 15, 2026
How to Use Creosote Sweeping Logs to Keep Your Chimney Clean and Safe
Knowing how to use a creosote sweeping log for additional maintenance in between your annual chimney sweep can help keep your home safe from fires.