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[mgw44]

I'm looking for tips on how to clean the firebox.  What is the best tool\method you have for cleaning your firebox?  Thank you in advance,

mgw44

[oldchenowth]

An 8" drywall knife and a flashlight.  Safety goggles would also be on my list for next time too.  Trust me on that one.  And maybe a chiropractor on speed dial

[jdlieland]

I use a floor scraper with a long handle, works pretty well if you have a owb with flat sides.

[peacmar]

A super super super hot fire from a cold start up works pretty well. Just get it roaring, leave the door cracked and a close eye on it. 

[mgw44]

Thank you for the suggestions.  The drywall knife worked well and I have a long handled scraper on my shopping list.  I am also thinking that when the cold weather arrives this will be less of a daunting task due to hotter fires and less smoldering.

mgw44

[RSI]

Burning aluminum cans supposedly will get rid of most of the creosote. I never tried it though.

[mikenc]

Burning aluminum cans supposedly will get rid of most of the creosote. I never tried it though.

Tried it, didn't work for me.  I through about 15 in and had no change in mine. Well maybe i didn't put enough in fire box at one time . Fire made short order of those. I took old garden hoe and ground it to fit the inside of drum to scrape out  inside. Get a good hot fire and scrape creosote right out.

[RSI]

I think you probably would need a garbage bag full to do much.

[mcarter]

Though I have read this, I have not tried it.  "A handful of table salt, once per week, turns creosote into harmless flakes".  I would love to know if this works.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this approach?

I recently read about about how creosote formation in the firebox acts as an insulator, decreasing thermal transfer to the water tank and rendering your OWB boiler less efficient.  I haven't had my OWB for a full year yet and I'm still learning lots of important details like this.  It would be awesome if this forum could create a generic OWB manual for newbies like me!

Anyways, try the salt on your's first and then let us know!

Michael

[tatespa]

What about those Chimmney Sweep logs? They're supposed to break down the creosote..?

[MattyNH]

What about those Chimmney Sweep logs? They're supposed to break down the creosote..?

It def worked when I was burning wood in my house..I did throw one in my owb.. Honestly I can't say if it did worked or not.. Same with the ash-tol. by CB..Best bet to get rid of creosote is a hot fire...

[red devil]

Ihave heard of old timers throwing rock salt in to clean their flues on indoor stoves. That being said I think I would check with someone before  throwing any kind of salt in outdoor boilers just worried about rotting out issues.

[mikenc]

Heard that to about rock salt. Don't beleive I will try that either, since salt and steel don't mix very well.

[MattyNH]

Ihave heard of old timers throwing rock salt in to clean their flues on indoor stoves. That being said I think I would check with someone before  throwing any kind of salt in outdoor boilers just worried about rotting out issues.

I've also heard by old timers they use to throw in batteries in the  wood stove..When the battery burned it put out a chemical that would react with the soot..act like a chimney sweeping log...