Chimney Cleaning

Chimney cleaning involves removing soot, creosote, and debris that naturally build up inside your flue, helping prevent fire hazards and keeping your fireplace running efficiently. Whether you use your hearth daily or just a few times each winter, regular maintenance protects your home and improves air quality. Angi connects you with local pros who can inspect, clean, and service your chimney so you can enjoy cozy fires worry-free.
Chimney Cleaning Articles and Advice
Becca Lewis  •  Apr 10, 2026
How Often Do You Need to Clean Your Chimney?
Wondering how often to clean a chimney? Our guide will walk you through the recommended frequency, best time of year, and common signs your chimney’s due for a cleaning.
Chelsea Van Bloom  •  Apr 10, 2026
Do Metal Chimney Flues Need Cleaning?
If you have a new chimney or chimney liner, you may wonder if metal chimney flues need cleaning. The short answer is yes, you need to clean a metal chimney flue.
Haniya Rae  •  Apr 10, 2026
What Is a Smoke Shelf in a Chimney and How Is It Used?
What is a smoke shelf in a chimney? A smoke shelf is a simple ledge within your chimney that prevents downdrafts and helps direct smoke out of your home.
Chris Middleton  •  Apr 10, 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.
Haniya Rae  •  Apr 10, 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.
Catherine Hiles  •  Apr 10, 2026
What Is a Chimney Flue and Do You Need One?
Ensuring the safety of your house is a homeowner’s primary concern. If you have a fireplace, you need to know “What is a chimney flue?”
Catherine Hiles  •  Apr 10, 2026
How to Clean Chimney Brick
Drab-looking chimney bricks can make your home look unkempt. This guide will help you learn how to clean chimney bricks without damaging the structure.
Deirdre Sullivan  •  Apr 8, 2026
How to Remove Creosote From Your Chimney Flue: 2 Methods
Homeowners should know how to remove creosote from chimney flue, but it’s safer to leave this hazardous task to a professional chimney cleaner.
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Common Chimney Cleaning Questions

Yes, chimneys with liners still need regular sweeping. While the liner helps protect the chimney and improve efficiency, soot, creosote, and other debris can still build up inside. Regular sweeping is essential to prevent blockages, ensure proper ventilation, and reduce fire risk. Having your chimney inspected and swept at least once a year is recommended, even with a liner installed.

Professionals sweep chimneys and clear obstructions, using specialized rods and cameras to ensure safety and condition monitoring.

In some cases, you don’t need to do anything to prepare for chimney sweeping, but professionals always appreciate leaving the area clean and easy to access. As such, it’s a good idea to move fireplace accessories like screens and fire tending tools out of the way, and lay down tarps of drop cloths around your fireplace opening to help keep your floors clean. Laying down a plastic sheet under those cloths or tarps is a good idea if your fireplace is surrounded by carpeting, just to add extra protection. Finally, secure any pets or children away from the work area.

Yes, many services include chimney cleaning as part of the package. Confirm with your provider.

The National Fire Prevention Agency (NFPA) recommends chimney sweeping once per year as a means of avoiding house fires and massive property damage. Over time, creosote and soot build up in your chimney from burning wood and a lack of ventilation. These compounds are both highly flammable, which means a build-up of them inside your chimney puts you at an increased risk of house fire. Chimney sweeping removes any residue and helps reduce the risk of property damage and personal injury from fire.