Fireplace cleaner log...anyone use them?

[TinkerPixie]

We use our fireplace regularly, and I'm thinking it really must need a cleaning by now. We have used it a couple of years, and there is probably a lot of buildup. I've seen these fireplace cleaning logs advertised, and I was thinking about buying one. They run about $15 dollars per log, so if they dont work it's a pretty expensive experiment.

Has anyone used one, and does it work, that you can tell?

 

[mrsv98]

We used one a couple of weeks ago - it has been two years since we had the chimney cleaned - and I don't know what to say. It smells a little funny when it is burning, and we followed the directions and had fires the next few nights but it is hard to tell if it did anything. If you read the box, it is actually more effective in Franklin Stove type fireplaces rather than the traditional brick. but as you say, it is only $15 so we will probably do one once a season and have the chimney professionally cleaned every few years. How is that for a non-answer!

 

[WebmasterAlex]

One of the things a good chimney sweep does, besides clean it is to check the chimney for cracks or problems that can result in a house fire. I think that inspection is really important, there are an incredible number of fires caused by bad chimney's.

 

[shortbun]

My husband owns a chimney service company. He
cleans/rebuilds/religns. He has had this question asked
many times by customers so he's had a few(my dad and
some other friends) try the logs
and returned to check the condition of their flues. He says
there is no noticeable difference and he recommends
saving the $15 and hiring a certified chimney sweep.
As Alex said, a good sweep inspects the flue lining, crown,
flashing, firebox, damper and ash pit as well as cleans
your chimney. We charge $119 but I know others in the
area are as high as $170 -they have BIG ads and overhead,
we do not. If you are a regular wood burner-you need
to AT LEAST have your chimney inspected annually and
a reputable sweep will only clean when needed. If you have
"Angie's List" in your area, they are a great source of
good home service people.