It is essential that you do a thorough chimney cleaning job to prevent chimney fires and house fires. Not only do you need to remove soot and dust, you also need to scrape away creosote from the chimney walls.

Clean your wood burning fireplace at the end of every winter season. First, remove charred wood and ash and then vacuum your fireplace.

Creosote is a flammable substance that typically builds up in chimneys.

It's important to have your spark arrestor checked yearly. This device prevents hot embers from escaping your chimney. It also keeps animals and debris from getting into your chimney.

If you have a gas fireplace, vacuum the fireplace to remove dust and debris. Next, brush the burners and pilot with a wire brush. Just make sure to turn off your gas valve before you start!

If you remove your gas fire logs, it's essential that you replace them exactly as you found them. Improperly placed gas fire logs can create carbon buildup.

It's important that you measure your chimney before you go out and buy your most essential chimney cleaning tool: a wire chimney brush. A chimney brush should fit the shape of your chimney.

The top down rod method for cleaning chimneys results in the least amount of indoor cleanup of soot and debris.

The bottom up rod method means you clean your chimney from the fireplace upward. Therefore, you don't need to go on your roof and risk falling off.

Both the bottom up rod method and dual line method require that you leave your fireplace open, resulting in significant soot and debris in inside your house. If you choose either of these methods, make sure to adequately tarp your furniture and flooring.