Sweeping a Chimney or a Wood Stove. Differences, How to Do It and When It’s Needed.

If you have a chimney or a wood-burning stove, you know that part of the charm of the fire lies in the heat… and part in the maintenance.
But do they get cleaned the same way? Is sweeping a chimney the same as sweeping a wood stove?

The short answer: no. The long answer is here, step by step — with differences, methods, cleaning frequency and practical tips.

A Chimney Is Not a Stove. And Cleaning Them Is Not the Same.

Although both burn firewood and expel smoke, how they function (and get dirty) is very different.
Open chimneys are older, less efficient, and much dirtier. Modern wood-burning stoves —like Panadero stoves— are designed so sweeping doesn’t become a nightmare.

Sweeping a Chimney: More Effort, More Often, More Mess.

An open fireplace has its magic… and its soot. No glass door to contain the smoke, lower heat retention and soot going wherever it pleases.
The result: more residue, more frequent cleaning, and more hassle overall.

How Do You Sweep a Traditional Chimney?

• Cover the living room thoroughly to protect it from soot.

• Climb to the roof or use long brush rods from below.

• Insert a chimney brush and scrub vigorously.

• Collect and vacuum the soot that falls into the firebox.

• Clean everything carefully — and hope the carpet survives.

Recommended Frequency

• Light cleaning every 1–2 weeks during winter.

• Deep cleaning is mandatory at least once a year.

• Hiring a professional is recommended if roof access is difficult or dangerous.

Sweeping a Panadero Wood Stove: From Below, No Risk, No Mess.

Our stoves are built to make your life easier. They’re enclosed, efficient and far cleaner. Best of all: they can be swept from inside your home — no ladders, no rooftops.

How Do You Sweep a Wood Stove?

• Let the stove cool down completely.

• Protect the surrounding area with plastic.

• Remove the baffle plate (check your user manual).

• Insert a flexible chimney brush from below.

• Scrub, vacuum the loosened soot, and clean the glass and ash drawer.

Recommended Frequency

• Weekly maintenance using chimney cleaning logs.

• Deep cleaning once per year.

• You can do it yourself, or hire a professional.

What If a Professional Does It?

Hiring a professional is always a safe choice — especially for chimneys or tricky installations.

Is It Worth the Cost?

While prices may vary, safety is priceless. The important thing is to keep your system clean, whether you use a chimney or a stove.
At Panadero, we recommend a full professional cleaning once a year, and using maintenance products during the heating season.

Conclusion. Who Wins the Soot Battle?

The Panadero wood-burning stove, hands down.
✔ Cleaned from below.
✔ Produces less residue.
✔ Doesn’t mess up your home.
✔ No rooftop adventures required.

Plus, our stoves are designed so you can dismantle and clean them yourself with ease. That way, your stove will last longer, burn less wood, and work like new every winter.

Got a chimney? Maybe it’s time to switch to the Panadero side of the fire.