Is this chimney clean enough?

[dreezon]

I'm preparing to install a flex liner wrapped with insulation. I swept the chimney myself using a wire brush I cut down to fit my 12 x 9.5" flue. The flue was quite rough due to mortar and quite dirty. I ran the brush up and down five times, then I spent quite a while working the wider low end with an 8 x 8 brush & flexible rod, but it still looks pretty dirty. It has kind of a fuzzy look, and in some places there is still some shiny black creosote.

The manual for the liner says all creosote must be removed, but that seems impossible. Does this look clean enough? I would think with the insulation, a bit of creosote here & there would be a non-issue. If this is not good enough, can anyone suggest a better cleaning method?

 

[dreezon]

Here's another pic from a slightly different angle.

 

[Fsappo]

That looks pretty clean to me. If you're concerned, buy a bottle of ACS (Anti-Creosote) and burn a few small hot fires while spraying 10-15 pumps into the fire during each fire. Then give it another cleaning. That product will help dry out the glaze creosote and make it easier for removal with a brush

 

[dreezon]

If someone who knows what they're talking about says it's perfectly safe, that's enough for me. I can't imagine it would cause a problem with an insulated liner. I just want some assurance.

 

[Danno77]

If someone who knows what they're talking about says it's perfectly safe, that's enough for me. I can't imagine it would cause a problem with an insulated liner. I just want some assurance.

well, I'm not someone who knows anything, but I imagine that those instructions for cleaning it completely for the liner were correct, BUT since it's wrapped in insulation those instructions aren't exactly applicable anymore. It should be ok, either way, but your insulation should essentially mean that you have more room for error with that sort of thing.

 

[dreezon]

Thanks for the feeback thus far.

Any other opinions?

I wanna make sure this is done right the first time.

 

[dreezon]

Pretty please. I could really use some help... or moral support.

 

[Hogwildz]

That ia cleaner than most. Your good to go.

 

[North of 60]

Start putting in that liner. Ya did a good job, better than most Id say.