How Much Does Creosote Removal Cost in Minneapolis, MN?

By Garrett Sullivan, 16 years of experience · November 13, 2026 · 6 min read

In Minneapolis, our chimney cleaning starts at $89, and chimney inspection starts at $39; the creosote removal work depends on the deposits and flue condition. Contact us to arrange a visit; same-day service is available.

Our Starting Prices in Minneapolis

Need help now? (612) 806-0154

What Creosote Removal Cost Means for Your Chimney

Our listed chimney cleaning starts at $89. Creosote removal may involve cleaning, but the work and final cost depend on the amount and condition of the deposits and what the flue inspection shows.

A chimney inspection starts at $39. It can help identify buildup and visible damage, but an inspection and cleaning are different services. See our prices for the listed starting prices for other chimney work.

Creosote forms as smoke cools inside the flue. The deposits can build up over repeated fires, and a sweep needs to assess the flue before determining what removal work is appropriate. The Chimney Safety Institute of America says deposits at 1/8 inch or more should be swept; CSIA’s homeowner resources explain this threshold and chimney maintenance.

What Makes Creosote Removal More Involved

Which Creosote Situation Fits Each Starting Price

These examples show how the listed starting prices relate to common concerns; they are not separate quotes for a specific flue.

• You want deposits removed — For chimney cleaning, our starting price is $89. The sweep assesses the chimney and explains the work needed for its deposits and condition.
• You need the chimney checked — A chimney inspection starts at $39. This is the relevant starting price when you want the flue and chimney assessed, rather than assuming cleaning alone will address a concern.
• The inspection finds a separate problem — Damage or a repair need is not included in the cleaning starting price. We explain the work clearly and recommend only services a homeowner needs.

Need help now? (612) 806-0154

Signs Creosote in Your Chimney Needs Attention

A dark, shiny or tar-like coating can point to hardened creosote. Soot or flakes visible near the fireplace opening can also signal deposits, but a view from the room does not show the full length or condition of the flue.

A smoky fireplace is a reason to stop and investigate rather than keep adding wood. Smoke entering the room can have more than one cause, so do not assume creosote is the only problem; a sweep can check the flue and fireplace.

A chimney fire can damage masonry or a factory-built chimney even when the outside looks unchanged. After a chimney fire, do not use the appliance until the chimney has been inspected; CSIA recommends a Level 2 inspection after a fire event, with a video scan as part of that inspection.

How a Sweep Removes Creosote Safely

Creosote removal uses chimney tools, not household scraping or a fire meant to burn deposits away. The sweep should assess the flue and match the removal method to what is present.

1. Identify the appliance and flue — Tell the sweep whether the chimney serves a fireplace, wood stove or another appliance. The flue and connector are checked so the right parts of the system are assessed.
2. Check the fireplace opening — The firebox, damper and visible throat are examined for soot, debris and signs of trouble. Ask what was found before cleaning begins.
3. Protect the room — A drop cloth and suitable containment help keep loosened soot out of the living area. Check that the fireplace opening and nearby floor are protected.
4. Assess the flue — The sweep checks the flue for buildup and visible condition. A flashlight or inspection camera can help reveal areas that cannot be judged from the room.
5. Choose the removal tool — A chimney brush is selected to fit the flue, while specialized tools may be needed for hardened deposits. Ask whether the method is appropriate for the deposit and liner material.
6. Remove deposits — The sweep works through the flue with the chosen tools and collects loosened material with suitable vacuum equipment. The firebox and work area should be checked for remaining debris.
7. Recheck the flue and fireplace — After removal, the sweep checks the cleaned areas and visible components for remaining buildup or damage. Ask what still needs attention before using the fireplace again.
8. Review findings and next work — The sweep explains what was removed and whether the inspection showed a separate issue. Cleaning should not be treated as a repair to a damaged liner, masonry or damper.

What to Check Before Creosote Removal

A few details help the sweep understand the concern and assess the right parts of the system.

• Note how the fireplace behaves — Remember when smoke entered the room, whether the damper was open, and whether the problem happens every time or only under certain conditions.
• Describe what you can see — Tell the sweep whether the deposits look flaky, powdery, shiny or tar-like. Do not climb onto the roof or reach into the flue to inspect them.
• Share recent changes — Mention a new appliance, chimney relining, storm damage or a chimney fire. A change to the appliance or a fire event can call for a more detailed inspection.
• Keep the appliance unused if there is a concern — If the chimney has had a fire or appears damaged, do not burn another fire before it is checked. If smoke is spilling into the room, stop using the fireplace and arrange an assessment.

Need help now? (612) 806-0154

When Creosote Removal Calls for Inspection or Repair

Cleaning removes deposits; it does not fix a cracked flue liner, damaged masonry or a malfunctioning damper. If a sweep finds damage, ask which part is affected and whether the chimney needs inspection or repair before use.

A chimney fire, a change to the appliance, relining or a significant weather event can warrant a Level 2 inspection. CSIA’s Level 2 inspection procedure calls for a video scan of the flue in these circumstances.

For creosote buildup without a known damage event, a creosote removal service can assess the deposits and explain whether cleaning is the needed work. Do not treat a clean-looking fireplace opening as proof that the full flue is clear.

How to Book Creosote Removal and What to Expect

Book by contacting MN Chimney Sweep and describing the appliance, the signs you have noticed and whether there has been a chimney fire or recent chimney work. Same-day service is available, and we are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The visit length depends on the amount and condition of the deposits, access to the flue and whether the assessment finds a separate issue. We explain the work clearly and recommend only the services you need; the owner, Garrett Sullivan, has 16 years of experience with chimneys and fireplaces.

For a chimney sweep in Minneapolis or another Twin Cities metro community, we travel to the customer. You can contact us to book and describe what is happening before the visit.

Frequently asked questions