What to Burn in a Fireplace for a Cleaner Chimney
By Chimney Insight Editorial Team
Posted on April 26, 2025
No fuel safely “cleans” a chimney in place of inspection and mechanical removal of deposits. The best way to reduce creosote formation is to burn the correct fuel properly and maintain the chimney.
Burn dry, seasoned firewood
EPA guidance says wood burns best at less than 20% moisture. Wet wood lowers fire temperature, produces more smoke, and can contribute to greater deposit formation. Use a moisture meter on a freshly split face when you are unsure. See EPA Best Wood-Burning Practices.
Do not burn household waste
- Painted or pressure-treated lumber
- Plastics or household trash
- Construction waste or engineered wood
- Wrapping paper in large quantities
- Any material the appliance manufacturer says not to burn
What about creosote-removal products?
Chemical logs or powders may be marketed as aids for modifying deposits, but they should not be treated as a substitute for inspecting and cleaning the flue. If you suspect heavy or glazed deposits, stop using the appliance and have the chimney evaluated before continuing to burn.
Habits that help reduce deposits
- Use dry fuel.
- Build fires according to the appliance manual.
- Avoid long, smoky, oxygen-starved burns.
- Keep the chimney and appliance maintained.
- Investigate recurring smoke or draft problems instead of compensating with hotter fires.