Things You'll Need

Instructions

How to Clean Stainless and Galvanized Steel Chimney Caps

1

If possible, remove the chimney cap by loosening the screws at the base.
2

Begin cleaning the cap with a rag saturated with a mixture of water and a mild detergent.
3

Using a stiff brush, brush off dried or burnt-on gunk. Then rinse clean.
4

Moisten a rag with undiluted white vinegar or club soda and wipe the cap. This should help remove or at least lighten heat stains.
5

If unsatisfied with the results of your efforts thus far, continue cleaning with a stainless steel cleaner like Flitz Stainless Steel & Chrome Clean. Or, dip a rag into lacquer thinner and wipe it on your toughest steel chimney cap stains.

How to Clean Copper Chimney Caps

1

Make a paste by dissolving 1 teaspoon salt in 1 cup white vinegar; then add flour. Depending on the size of your chimney cap, you may need to double or triple the recipe.
2

Apply a coat of paste to your copper chimney cap and let it sit for up to an hour. Then rinse with water and wipe dry with a rag.
3

You can also pour vinegar over your copper chimney cap and then sprinkle it with salt.
4

After rubbing the salt against the cap with a dry rag, rinse the cap with water and towel dry.

How to Clean Clay Chimney Caps

1

Spray your clay chimney cap with the hose to saturate the clay.
2

Using a brush and either baking soda or a bleach mixture (1 part bleach to 9 parts water), scrub off the gunk.
3

Rinse when finished and allow the cap to dry.