Mid-Maine powder to prevent Creosote ?!

[wood-fan-atic]

On a recent vacation to New Hampshire ( Jackson, in the White Mountains - unbelievably beautiful ), I came across a product in a mom and pop hardware store called 'Mid-Maine Creosote Sweep". It's a black powder that you sprinkle 1/2 a cup on hot coals twice a week to lessen/prevent creosote buildup on your chimney liner? Has anyone heard of this or a similar product? Any positive results- or just snake oil?

 

[Pagey]

Typically what you find is those products are designed to change stage 3 or "glaze" creosote into something fluffier and more brushable. Not saying they don't have their place, but they are no substitute for regular inspections and manual cleanings.

 

[zzr7ky]

I don't use anything like this as I don't have and issue with creosote. I wonder if this product is aimmed at the folks that start cutting/splitting this year's wood after the first hard frost. That is a very common practice.

 

[firefighterjake]

+1 to Pagey and ZZ's comments . . . if you burn truly seasoned wood, burn at the proper temps and check and clean your chimney on a regular basis you should never need to buy any additives (or burn up your beer cans, potato peelings, magic jelly beans, heart of a rooster sacrificed on the 1st full moon, unicorn horns, etc.)

 

[wood-fan-atic]

Agreed. The vast majority of my fuel supply is 1+ year old cherry,ash,and oak that checks on the MM at between 14-22%, the higher number only being smack damn in the middle of my thickest oak splits. Fuel is nice and dry, starts fast, and burns great. I let it burn real hot during re-fuels for about 20 min, about 3 times a day, and this seems to be working very well, as I have found very little creosote build-up during inspections. I also imagine this is aided by the fact the non-cat insert is just so efficient at lowering emissions. I was just curious when I saw it (the powder), and wondered if anybody has found it useful. I guess it couldnt hurt. :blank:

 

[Jags]

Agreed. The vast majority of my fuel supply is 1+ year old cherry,ash,and oak that checks on the MM at between 14-22%, the higher number only being smack damn in the middle of my thickest oak splits. Fuel is nice and dry, starts fast, and burns great. I let it burn real hot during re-fuels for about 20 min, about 3 times a day, and this seems to be working very well, as I have found very little creosote build-up during inspections. I also imagine this is aided by the fact the non-cat insert is just so efficient at lowering emissions. I was just curious when I saw it (the powder), and wondered if anybody has found it useful. I guess it couldnt hurt. :blank:

Heck - it sounds like you are right on point with your burn method. If you got extra money burning a hole in your pocket, I can give you my pay pal account number to send it too.