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Creosote buildup in your chimney is a fire risk. The Creosote Sweeping Log claims to help, so I bought one and burned it in my wood stove.
Here’s what the CSL is supposed to do, how to light it, and how long it actually took to burn. I’ll be upfront: I didn’t measure creosote before and after, so think of this as a first-use look, not a lab test.
- Easy: unwrap, place, light both sides
- Takes to the flame well
- Burns a long time
- Better than doing nothing between cleanings
- Results are hard to verify without measuring
- Instructions aren’t super clear
- Not a replacement for actually cleaning your chimney
▶ Watch the full review on YouTube
What is creosote and why does it matter?
Creosote is the resin and residue that builds up inside your chimney. It’s highly flammable, kind of like having sticky coal lining the inside of your flue.
The CSL is supposed to turn that creosote into a dry, flaky dust that falls back down, or burn it off.
Do creosote logs actually work?
These have been around a long time, and I used them when I was younger. They’ve also been met with some skepticism. Cleaning your fireplace, flue and chimney is still your best bet, but that can be hard.
I’m in the camp of “I don’t know how well it works, but I’d rather do it every once in a while than not at all.”
How to use the CSL log
- Start with a cold firebox (mine was cold to the touch). The instructions also say you can use it after a fire, when the chimney is warm and drafting well.
- Unwrap it and set it “this side up,” centered in the firebox.
- Light both sides, like a camping log.
- Close the door and open the air vent all the way.
- Let it burn completely.
How long does it burn?
It took to the flame well. The packaging says it burns for about 90 minutes, and that wouldn’t surprise me. I was pretty deep into the burn and there was still a lot of log left, so I moved it around a little to get a better burn.
Hopefully it makes everything a little bit safer.
FAQ
What does a creosote sweeping log do?
It’s meant to turn creosote into dry, flaky dust that falls back down, or burn it off.
How long does a CSL log burn?
The packaging says about 90 minutes, and mine took a long time.
Does it replace chimney cleaning?
No. Cleaning the chimney is still the best bet; the log is something extra.
Can I use it in a wood stove?
Yes, I used mine in a wood-burning stove.
Do I light it on one side?
The wrapper says to light both sides.
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