Serving All of Seattle

Chimney Cleaning Seattle: Professional Creosote Removal & Maintenance

Professional chimney cleaning in Seattle isn't optional—it's essential. Whether you use your fireplace daily or just a few times a year, creosote buildup creates real fire hazards that only professional cleaning can safely address.

45+ years serving Seattle. Master certified. Same-day service available.

Why Professional Chimney Cleaning Matters

Seattle's wet winters combined with regular fireplace use create perfect conditions for creosote accumulation, moisture problems, and chimney deterioration.

Fire Prevention

Creosote can ignite at 1,000°F, causing chimney fires that reach 2,000+ degrees—hot enough to crack liners and spread into walls.

Improved Efficiency

A clean chimney draws better. Wood burns more completely, more heat enters your home, and you use less wood to stay warm.

Carbon Monoxide Safety

Blocked chimneys force carbon monoxide back into your home. This colorless, odorless gas is deadly—even in small amounts.

Early Problem Detection

Professional cleaning includes inspection. We catch cracked liners, damaged mortar, and obstructions before they become expensive repairs.

Our Professional Chimney Cleaning Process

Systematic, thorough cleaning that protects your home and ensures complete creosote removal.

1

Preparation

We seal your fireplace opening with professional tarps and protective barriers. This contains dust and debris so your home stays clean.

2

Top-Down Cleaning

Starting at the roof, we use professional brushes and rods sized to your chimney. Gravity-assisted approach ensures all creosote gets dislodged.

3

Complete Creosote Removal

We remove all three stages of creosote: Stage 1 (fluffy), Stage 2 (tar-like), and Stage 3 (hard, glazed)—the most dangerous.

4

Smoke Chamber Cleaning

The smoke chamber accumulates creosote and is often missed by lesser services. We clean this critical area thoroughly.

5

Damper & Firebox Inspection

We inspect and clean your damper to ensure it seals properly. We clean the firebox and ash pit completely.

6

Full System Inspection

We inspect the entire flue system for damage, cracks, or obstructions. Video inspection equipment used when needed.

7

Professional Cleanup

We remove all tarps and barriers and clean up thoroughly. You won't find a speck of soot or debris in your home.

What Gets Cleaned

Main flue (full length)
Smoke chamber
Firebox interior
Damper mechanism
Ash pit and cleanout
All joints and elbows

Creosote: Understanding the Enemy

Creosote is a byproduct of incomplete wood combustion that sticks to chimney walls and becomes progressively more dangerous over time.

1

Stage 1: Light Creosote

Fluffy, light-colored deposits that come off relatively easily with regular brushing.

Safe but needs regular cleaning

2

Stage 2: Sticky Creosote

Dark, sticky, tar-like deposits that are harder to remove. Requires professional equipment.

Professional cleaning needed

3

Stage 3: Glazed Creosote

Hard, shiny, dark deposits that are extremely flammable and nearly impossible to remove without professional tools.

Severe fire risk—immediate attention required

Most Seattle homeowners with regular fireplace use progress through these stages within 1-2 years. Professional cleaning once yearly prevents buildup from reaching dangerous levels.

Chimney Cleaning: How Often?

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends inspection and cleaning at least once per year.

Annual Cleaning

Standard recommendation for wood-burning fireplaces in regular use.

Baseline for safety

Heavy Use

5+ fires per week through winter.

Every 6-8 months recommended

Occasional Use

A few times per month during winter.

Annual cleaning sufficient

Gas Fireplaces

Gas burns cleaner than wood.

Annual inspection recommended

Unused Chimneys

Animals nest, debris accumulates.

Annual inspection even if unused

Signs Your Chimney Needs Cleaning Now

Don't wait for your annual appointment if you notice these warning signs.

Smoke backing up into your home
Fireplace smells musty or smoky
Visible creosote on fireplace walls
Difficulty getting fires to start
Sparks or embers shooting out
Animal sounds in the chimney
Excessive soot falling in fireplace
Strong tar-like odors

If you notice any of these signs, call for professional cleaning immediately.

Don't wait for the annual appointment.

Professional vs. DIY Chimney Cleaning

Why professional cleaning at $289.95 is the smart investment.

Professional Cleaning

  • Safety equipment and training for roof work
  • Professional brushes reach all areas
  • Complete creosote removal—not just visible areas
  • Identifies cracks, damage, and problems
  • Proper technique prevents chimney damage
  • Professional containment—no soot in home
  • Written documentation and warranty
  • Peace of mind it's done right

$289.95

Includes complete cleaning + 21-point inspection

DIY Cleaning Risks

  • Falls from roofs cause serious injuries
  • Consumer equipment misses critical areas
  • Incomplete cleaning leaves fire risks
  • Can't identify internal cracks or damage
  • Wrong technique can damage liners
  • Soot throughout the house
  • No documentation for insurance
  • False sense of security

Real Cost of DIY

Equipment: $100-300 • Your time: Several hours • Risk: One chimney fire costs $5,000-10,000 in damage

Chimney Cleaning & Your Fireplace Efficiency

A clean chimney performs dramatically better than a dirty one.

Better Draft

Creosote restricts airflow. Cleaning removes restrictions, allowing hot gases to exit quickly and efficiently.

Complete Combustion

Good draft means wood burns more completely. More heat in your home, less smoke, less creosote.

Reduced Smoke

Proper draft prevents smoke from backing up into your living space.

Lower Heating Costs

Many Seattle homeowners report using 20-30% less wood after professional cleaning.

Extended Equipment Life

Professional cleaning slows deterioration and extends the life of your fireplace and chimney.

Why Seattle Homeowners Choose Mad Hatter

45+ Years Local

Serving Seattle since 1979. We know this climate and what Seattle chimneys need.

Master Certified

Highest industry credential. Current training, proven techniques, national safety standards.

21-Point Inspection

Every cleaning includes comprehensive assessment. You know your chimney's complete condition.

Home Protection

Professional containment, careful work, thorough cleanup. Your home stays clean.

Transparent Pricing

$289.95 standard service. No hidden fees, no surprise charges.

Honest Communication

We explain findings in plain language. Only recommend what your chimney actually needs.

Schedule Your Seattle Chimney Cleaning Today

Professional chimney cleaning prevents fires, protects your family from carbon monoxide, improves heating efficiency, and extends your chimney's life.

Same-day and next-day service available throughout Seattle and King County