Nowadays the actual cleaning itself is done via power sweeping. That’s with rods that spin and clean mechanically.

The primary tools used by professional chimney sweeps are brushes, vacuums, and chemical substances used to remove the shiny form of creosote.

Chimney sweeps weren’t the only things cleaning chimneys however; people would throw geese or chickens down the chimney, or pull big bunches of holly tied onto a rope to scrape the walls of the flue. Chimney Sweeps really came to prevalence in the 17th century around the time of the Great Fire of London in 1666.

Burning aluminum cans does not get rid of the creosote, it merely turns it to flakes and powder. It remains necessary to physically clean the chimney with the correct chimney brushes.

While it’s easy to ignite and may seem like a good way to help get a fire started, burning cardboard can be dangerous. Because cardboard is treated with chemicals and often contains inks, it can release them into the air when burned. Or, more commonly, they can float up into your chimney and cause a chimney fire.

Is it Better to Recycle Than to Burn Cardboard? Yes, it is better to recycle cardboard instead of burning it in your backyard or fireplace. Burning it can release toxic chemicals into the air, so it is preferred that you recycle it instead.

Any paper that has a glossy coating, such as wrapping paper, magazines and newspaper inserts are inappropriate for burning in a fireplace. The processing of these types of paper involves toxic chemicals that are released when burning. Only use plain newspaper or uncoated paper in your fireplace, and use it sparingly.

10 Things You Should Never Burn in Your Fireplace or Woodstove

1. Wet wood. Wet, or unseasoned, firewood can contain up to 45 percent water.
2. Christmas trees.
3. Painted or treated lumber.
4. Any type of paper with colored print.
5. Plywood, particle board, or chipboard.
6. Fire accelerants or fire starters.
7. Plastics.
8. Dyer lint.

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, it’s likely that now and then you toss in things like cardboard, junk mail, and egg cartons. To keep your home and family safe, burn only dry, seasoned wood, never leave a fire unattended, and never put any of these items into your fireplace.