Shoutout to the old guy who showed me the wet newspaper trick

Back when I first started, maybe 8 years ago, I would just sweep a chimney and let the soot fall all over the fireplace. It was a huge mess to clean up after, and I'd be there for an extra 30 minutes just vacuuming. Then, on a job in Springfield, this retired sweep I was helping out saw me doing it. He didn't say anything, just grabbed a section of the homeowner's newspaper, ran it under the sink, and stuffed it into the firebox opening. The soot just piled up on it. I was shocked. I've done it that way ever since, and it saves me so much time and keeps the customer's place clean. Has anyone else picked up a simple trick like that from another sweep that totally changed your routine?

3 comments

3 Comments

pipergonzalez1mo ago

Man, I used to think those plastic drop cloths were the only way to go, just taping them up everywhere. It was such a pain and they'd always rip. Seeing that wet newspaper trick was a total game changer for me. It molds right into the opening and the soot just sticks to it, no fuss. I felt kinda silly for all the time I wasted with the fancy stuff. Sometimes the old ways are just better.

kellyj231mo ago

Just be careful with wet paper around a fireplace, it can be a fire risk.

roberts.jesse20d ago

Exactly - the wet newspaper trick is great for containing soot, but you gotta remember to take it out once it dries. I left some in overnight once and came back to a crumbly mess that made more cleanup work. Also, while it's wet it's fine, but don't ever leave damp paper near a fireplace you're planning to use again. Let it dry completely first, then toss it.