Creosote Cleaning Logs

Another question for the experts on the board. I lit the Chubby for the first time today using wood and noticed that Lowes sells a burning log that will have a chemical reaction with the creosote in the chimney lining. The directions on the log didn't state anything about coal stoves (I know there isn't creosote formed when burning exclusively coal). Can I use this log if I intend to burn wood early in the season? I installed the Chubby later Jan 2010 and used coal until late March 2010. Late March 2010 to early April, I used wood when needed.

I was wondering the same thing. While there is no substitute for a mechanical chimney cleaning, I was curious about these alleged creosote cleaning logs myself. I burn both wood and coal in my Yukon Eagle furnace, and while there is no real creosote build up per se in the flue or chimney, I'd be curious if any other more "seasoned" forum members have any experience with these logs, or if they're just snake oil. I can buy how they work - their burning releases a chemical that dries up creosote, makes it brittle, and causes it to crack & flake off.
Thanks in advance!

I have no personal experience and I'm going by what was previously posted on this forum but my understanding is the coal will clean in out for you. It's actually bit of safety hazard, the coal will dry the creosote out and it could possibly come down in large pieces blocking the flue pipe.

Use that information at your own risk.

I agree with Richard and do so with allot of experience with wood. Before I started to burn coal full time I would buy a few bags of stove coal and throw a few chunks in to get a longer burn at night. I inadvertently realized that the coal would "loosen" creosote build up significantly. My cookstove required a monthly clean out due to the flame path cooling as it traveled around the oven. I would use coal lumps the day and night before and it was much easier to rake the stuff out. Caviot emptor is that if you have a large build up prior to starting coal, you might want to do a sweep first to avoid lighting it off. But mixed usage will take care of it's self I feel. At the end of the season when you do your fly ash removal you can take a look see.

One good coal fire will do more towards cleaning the chimney than burning one of those logs...plus the coal fire will keep you warm.

Thanks for the replies, not going to buy the cleaning log.

Nor I! What was said about mixed burning makes a lot of sense!

Just put the first batch of coal in the Chubby tonight!