Chimney sweeping logs advertise themselves as an alternative to a professional chimney sweeping. As they burn, the smoke from the logs loosens creosote in the flue; as it loosens, the creosote then falls down and into the firebox where it can be easily removed.

Do chimney sweep logs really work?

Many homeowners wonder if the chimney sweep logs or creosote sweeping logs really work to clean out fireplace flues and get rid of creosote residue so that the fireplaces are safe to use. The short answer is no, they don't work. At least, not well enough to completely clean out the flue the way it should be cleaned.

How often should you use a chimney sweeping log?

Any time you use the chimney, creosote can build up. While it can be hard to tell, you should use a creosote sweeping log when the creosote layer is 1/8 of an inch thick. That way, you can keep it from getting too thick and progressing to a later stage.