• What to Do If Your Chimney is Blocked

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    Chimneys will get blocked as long as you use them, and the reasons are very common. Either some ash fragments are stuck to the inside of the chimney, or there is a physical blockage that you need to get rid of. 

    Depending on what is blocking your chimney, you may need a variety of tools to clear the passageway of the flue. Anything flammable that is lodged in the chimney can be dangerous as it can cause the whole chimney to go up in smoke. If your chimney is blocked and you are unsure what to do, read on.

    Determine the Blockage

    Any number of things can cause a blocked chimney. Birds that choose to nest may drop debris down that gets stuck. Another animal may have looked for shelter in your chimney if it hasn’t been in use for a while. Regardless of the reason, you need to determine the blockage first so that you know what first step to take.

    If you find an animal in your chimney, contact the local shelter or rescue team to help you. You don’t want to risk getting bitten by an animal that has been nesting in your chimney. You can avoid blockages like these if you install a chimney cap. Smoke will still be able to leave the chimney, but nothing will be able to climb down it.

    Ready Your Supplies

    Cleaning a blocked chimney is easy but time-consuming. You will need a few vital tools, such as safety goggles, wire or plastic brushes, extension pipes, a ladder, broom, and dustpan. There could be hazardous debris in the chimney, and if you work on it from the bottom, you will need to keep your face protected. Many of these parts can be obtained by looking into tool rental. Because you might only need to unblock a chimney once every few years, it can be expensive tools if you don’t utilize them often enough.

    You not only need safety goggles, but a mask that will catch any dust from getting into your eyes, nose, or mouth. You will need a ladder to get to the roof and clear out any blockages from the top. It may require physical force with an extension pipe if the object is really stuck in there. You will need a tall ladder so consider ladder hire from a professional instead of buying your own.

    Remove and Clean

    Even if your chimney isn’t blocked, there will be signs that it needs cleaning. For instance, if smoke is escaping from the bottom, it’s a very clear indication that something is blocking the flue. This can be from moisture that has attached to remnants of wood ash. It can build up along the sides, narrowing the passage where the air escapes.

    If at all possible, clean from the top down. You can avoid getting hit in the face by a large object, and you can extend pipes down much easier. From the top, you will also have a clearer view of the extent of the blockage.

    With winter around the corner, be sure to check your chimney for any blockages so that you can have a warm festive season around the fire. 

    partnered post • image by Pixabay

  • How To Effectively Clean Hardwood Floors 

    image provided by Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing – hvac technician

    Hardwood floors are a great addition to any home. It is hard to beat the look and feel of natural wood in your home. This type of flooring tends to feel warmer than artificial wood or tiles and will generally last much longer.

    However, you do need to take care of your hardwood flooring and that starts with effectively cleaning it regularly. 

    It should be noted that it doesn’t matter what style of hardwood flooring you have, whether it’s the latest herringbone flooring or simple planks, the cleaning routine is the same.

    Vacuum Regularly

    The first thing you should be doing is vacuuming your hardwood flooring regularly. Ideally, you should do this every day but in lower-traffic areas, 2-3 times a week will suffice.

    You will need a hardwood flooring attachment for your vacuum. This is effectively a soft nozzle that won’t leave light scratches on the wood as you clean. Make sure the nozzle is clean and not worn before you use it. 

    Using the power of a vacuum you’ll be able to get into all the crevices between the wooden pieces.

    Sweep Often

    Alongside vacuuming, you can sweep the hardwood floor. This can be done to deal with specific spills or instead of vacuuming some days. You will need to use a soft-headed brush as you don’t want to scratch the floor.

    An angles broom will also help you to sweep the floor faster, reducing the amount of time spent looking after your hardwood floor.

    The Cleaner

    Your next step is to invest in a quality hardwood cleaner. You can get this in spray form, allowing you to lightly spray the floor and then wipe it clean. It’s best to use a clean cloth that attracts the dirt and dust when doing this. 

    Spray cleaner is an effective approach to dealing with spills and other localized issues.

    If you wish to clean the entire hardwood floor you’re better off adding a little of the cleaner to a bucket of warm water and using a mop. It should be noted that hardwood flooring doesn’t like getting wet. 

    In other words, wring the mop out so that it is only damp when it comes into contact with the floor. Work your way methodically across the room to ensure every part of the floor has been lightly mopped.

    Sealing the Floor

    The best approach is to purchase a hardwood floor polish. This can then be applied to the floor in accordance with the instructions on the container. 

    For most, this means rubbing a little into the floor with one cloth and polishing it with another. You will need to work your way across the entire room but the good news is that this only needs doing a couple of times a year.

    The polish adds shine to the floor, it fills light scratches and helps to protect the floor against dirt and spills. With a little love and care your hardwood flooring will last for years!

    partnered post • cc-licensed image by Boa-Franc