There are 'many ways' to clean a chimney

Those with properties that include a fireplace may find that there are several ways in which the chimney can be cleaned, according to one site.

Best Home Renovation Tips Online notes that the most popular method of cleaning a chimney is by using a rod and working from the top down.

Homeowners can also work from the bottom up, but this can be messy so furniture should be covered up.

Another method involves two people using a brush with a pull ring and rope attached to each end. One person works from the roof and drops the brush down the chimney, while the other takes the bottom end and pull and push the brush to clean the dirt off the chimney walls.

"You should use the mirror and flashlight to inspect the inside of chimney and make sure you got every inch of it," the website recommends.

Certified master chimney sweep Bob Fish recently told the Times Argus that he cleans most chimneys from the bottom up to better control the dirt and dust involved in this task.