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
Ellen Miller  •  May 5, 2026
Beware of Chimney Repairmen Full of Hot Air
Avoid expensive chimney-related scams and learn more about maintaining your home's chimney.
Terri Beth Miller  •  May 5, 2026
What to Know Before Hiring a Chimney Sweep
Maintaining your chimney and fireplace is a priority if you love curling up in front of a fire on chilly nights. Here's what to know before hiring a chimney sweep.
Taylor Freitas  •  May 5, 2026
What Causes Chimney Fires? Most Common Causes and Prevention Tips
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, it’s important to understand what causes chimney fires so you can reduce the risk of a fire in your home.
Catherine Hiles  •  May 5, 2026
9 Chimney Maintenance Tips to Ensure Every Winter’s a Cozy One
Want to relax by a roaring fire this winter? Check out these chimney maintenance tips to ensure your chimney and fireplace are ready to go.
Chris Middleton  •  May 3, 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  •  May 3, 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.
Jamie Cattanach  •  May 3, 2026
9 Warning Signs of a Chimney Fire and What to Do to Prevent Them
Worried that your flue might go up in flames? These nine chimney fire signs will help you get ahead of the situation—and keep your home and family safe.
Paige Bennett  •  May 3, 2026
6 Reasons Your Fireplace Stinks and How to Fix It
So your fireplace stinks—what’s the deal? Find out the six potential reasons why your fireplace smells and how to fix them.
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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.