Introduction of Gardus SootEater Rotary Cleaning SLK-24

Introducing the  a revolutionary product designed to make your cleaning tasks easier and more efficient. This innovative tool is perfect for cleaning tight spaces, crevices, and surfaces, and is ideal for both residential and commercial use. With its powerful motor and ergonomic design, the SootEater Rotary Cleaning SLK-24 is a game-changer in the world of cleaning. It is estimated to be priced around $200-250 and is now available in the market.

The SootEater System Includes

• 1 – Chimney Whip

• 6 – 3’ Long Flexible Chimney Rods

• 1 – Drill Adapter

• 1 – Hex Key

• 1 – 52” x 48” Fireplace/Stove Opening cover

  

Spin Guide

Tools Required

• Electric drill (cordless or w/cord)

• Drop cloth

• Flashlight

• Pliers

• Screwdriver

• Duct tape

• Gloves

• Adequate respirator or dust mask

• Eye protection

• Proper skin protection & clothing

• Vacuum w/fine dust filter and HEPA filter (used for sheetrock dust)

Gardus SootEater Rotary Cleaning SLK-24 Additional Accessories

• Chimney Whip Head: Item #CWH208

• Additional Chimney Rods: Item #CRD206

• Replacement Whip Line Set: Item #RCWL209

  

Detailed Specifications

The Gardus SootEater Rotary Cleaning SLK-24 boasts the following key features:

• Powerful 24V motor for maximum cleaning performance
• Rotating brush head for deep cleaning in tight spaces
• Ergonomic handle for comfortable use
• LED lights for visibility in dark areas
• Variable speed control for custom cleaning
• Rechargeable battery for cordless operation
• Durable and long-lasting construction

Description of Gardus SootEater Rotary Cleaning SLK-24

The SootEater is designed to remove light to moderate “Soot” & “Creosote” deposits commonly found in chimneys as a result of burning wood. It is NOT designed for removing “Glaze” deposits, which are very difficult to remove. A professional chimney sweep should be called if glaze deposits are present.

The SootEater is intended for routine maintenance and cleaning of residential chimneys only. It is still necessary to have the complete chimney, fireplace, and stove system inspected at least once a year by a professional chimney sweep. It is highly recommended that a “Certified” chimney sweep be used whenever possible.

The instructions in this manual are intended to provide a basic understanding of various types of cleaning methods. It is in no way designed or intended to take the place of a professional chimney sweep or to provide professional knowledge. This manual is NOT a training manual. All results and procedures may vary.

Due to conditions beyond our control, Gardus, Inc. and all associates accept no liability for property damage and/or personal injury due to the operation of these tools and accessories. By using this product, the user accepts all responsibility and agrees to use the product at his/her own risk.

Why Clean Your Chimney

All chimneys need periodic examination and cleaning to reduce the risk of a chimney fire and to ensure that the appliance vents to the outdoors properly. Creosote is flammable and can not only fuel a chimney fire but can also cause blockages, odors, deterioration, and smoking problems.

Periodic cleaning and proper burning throughout the season can help provide trouble-free performance. If a chimney fire has occurred, call a certified chimney professional to have the complete system inspected and any necessary repairs completed before using it.

When To Inspect & Clean

Although the frequency of cleaning varies dramatically, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that chimneys be inspected at least once a year and cleaned as necessary. Chimneys should be cleaned when soot and creosote accumulations are ¼ inch or more and when glaze is 1/8 inch or more.

Types of Chimney Deposits

There are three basic types of chimney deposits:

• Soot: Soot has a soft, fluffy texture with a black or brown color.

• Creosote: Creosote is a by-product of incomplete combustion and can form hard brown or black flaky or bubbly deposits.

• Glaze: Glaze is a black, shiny deposit that is a very tarry type of buildup. It is the most difficult to remove and normally requires the equipment and services of a professional chimney sweep.

Cleaning Wood Stove Chimneys

Important

• Read all safety precautions & operating instructions before starting.

• Be sure the entire stove & chimney are completely cooled down.

• Do Not attempt to clean any chimney if there is a down draft (air blowing back into the home).

• Wear proper eye protection and respirator as well as protective clothing.

• Exercise proper ladder safety & operating techniques.

• If the stove cannot be accessed for cleaning and removal of loosened soot, take precautions to prevent soot from falling into areas within the stove that may not be accessible while you’re rotary cleaning the chimney.

• Only use a shop vacuum with a fine dust filter (used for sheetrock dust) and a HEPA filter installed when working inside your home to control dust!!

• You may also leave the vacuum outside and run the vacuum hose to the inside.

Getting Started of Gardus SootEater Rotary Cleaning SLK-24

1. Lay drop cloth on the floor to protect the work area in front of the fireplace opening.

2. Initial Inspection: Open the damper or completely remove it and look into the chimney with a flashlight. Determine the type of soot build-up in the chimney and the configuration of the smoke chamber and flue.

   • Important Note: If black shiny glazing is present, it will be necessary to have the chimney inspected and possibly cleaned by a professional chimney sweep.

3. Once you have chosen a cleaning method from the following pages and have taken all precautions to control the dust while cleaning, trim the “Chimney Whip” to the proper size to fit the inside dimension of your chimney. (See “Trim Guide” on page 1)

4. Attach the “Chimney Whip” to one rod and then feed the whip into the chimney flue.

5. Insert the “Drill Adapter” into the drill and begin spinning the whip upward into the chimney flue one rod at a time with a back-and-forth motion.

   • Square & Rectangular Flues

     • If the chimney flue is square or rectangular, spin the whip in one direction the whole length of one rod, then reverse the direction of the drill and spin the whip in the opposite direction while working the rod in and out to clean opposite corners of the flue. Repeat this method for each rod added until you reach the top of the chimney flue.

       

How to Tell When You’ve Reached the Top of the Chimney Flue

• If cleaning from the bottom up

  • With rain cap installed: Spin rods and whip up into the chimney until you hear & feel the whip contact the underside of the cap. Use caution when approaching the height of the cap. Go slowly when feeding rods upward to prevent pushing the cap off the chimney.

  • Without rain cap installed: When the whip exits the top of the chimney, the rods will spin more freely due to less torque on the rods.

How to Tell When You've Reached the Bottom of the Chimney Flue

• If cleaning from the top down

  • You may want to drop a rope or string down into the chimney to measure the height prior to rotary cleaning. This will indicate how many rods will be needed. Use caution when approaching the bottom of the flue to avoid punching through the plastic (if used).

  • You may also lower the whip into the chimney one rod at a time without spinning until you reach the bottom, and then spin rods as you pull them out of the chimney.

Cleaning the Rain Cap

Spin the "Chimney Whip" up into the screening of the chimney cap in one direction and then the opposite direction to clean all corners of the cap.

Note: Most caps are larger than the chimney flue. It may be necessary to clean the cap before trimming the whip to fit the chimney flue.

Connecting Rods

1. Depress the button and slip rods together.

2. Be sure the button is fully engaged and rods are locked together before spinning into the chimney.

Disconnecting Rods

1. Grip both rods in the palm of your hand as shown.

2. Use the pointed end of the hex key (included) to depress the button, then pull rods apart.

3. Hold rods tightly and be very careful not to drop rods into the chimney if cleaning from the top down.

   

Replacing Whip Line

1. Use the hex key (included) to loosen the set screw located inside the steel fitting on the whip head.

2. Place an even number of strands through both holes.

3. Center strands and follow the pattern to the left.

4. Tighten strands with the hex key.

Sealing Openings with Plastic

1. Cut plastic to fit over the opening.

2. Cut a hole in the plastic if inserting a vacuum hose or rod through the plastic. Keep the hole slightly smaller than the object being inserted through the hole.

3. Use duct tape to seal the edges of the plastic and around all other objects.

   

Cleaning Wood Stove Chimneys from the Bottom Up Using a Vacuum

Method 1: Cleaning through Stove Door Opening 
This method can be used if you have direct access to the chimney flue from inside the stove.

Important: Read all information on pages 5, 6 & 7 before proceeding.

• Insert the vacuum hose into the stove.

• Seal off part of the opening with plastic & duct tape if necessary.

• Turn on the vacuum.

• Insert the whip & rod into the flue.

• Rotary clean through the stove and up into the stove pipe and chimney flue.

Method 2: Cleaning through Chimney Cleanout with Vacuum Placed in Stove

• Important: Read all information on pages 5, 6 & 7 before proceeding.

• Insert the vacuum hose into the stove or into the stove pipe from inside the stove.

• Seal off the opening with plastic & duct tape.

• Turn on the vacuum.

• Open the cleanout; insert the whip and rod into the flue.

• Rotary clean through the cleanout door from bottom up.

• Remove the tee cover.

• Insert the whip & rod into the flue.

• Seal the bottom of the tee with plastic. Poke a hole in the plastic, then feed the rod through before sealing completely.

• Rotary clean through the bottom of the tee.

Cleaning through Chimney Cleanout with Vacuum in Thimble

1. Read all information on pages 5, 6 & 7 before proceeding.

2. Insert the vacuum hose into the stove pipe or thimble.

3. Seal off the opening with plastic & duct tape.

4. Turn on the vacuum.

5. Open the cleanout; insert the whip and rod into the flue.

6. Rotary clean through the cleanout door from bottom up.

7. Remove the tee cover.

8. Insert the whip & rod into the flue.

9. Seal the bottom of the tee with plastic. Poke a hole in the plastic, then feed the rod through before sealing completely.

10. Rotary clean through the bottom of the tee.

Cleaning through Thimble

1. Important: Read all information on pages 5, 6 & 7 before proceeding.

2. Insert the vacuum hose into the stove pipe or thimble.

3. Insert the whip & rod into the flue.

4. Seal off the opening with plastic & duct tape.

5. Turn on the vacuum.

6. Rotary clean through the thimble.

Cleaning Wood Stove Chimneys from the Top Down With Vacuum

1. Important: Read all information on pages 5, 6 & 7 before proceeding.

2. Cover the stove opening with plastic and seal with duct tape.

3. Cut a hole in the plastic slightly smaller than the vacuum hose O.D., then insert the vacuum hose through the plastic and into the stove.

4. Seal around the vacuum hose with duct tape and turn on the vacuum.

   • Note: This method can also be used to place the vacuum hose into the chimney cleanout or tee.

5. Insert the whip & rod into the chimney flue and begin spinning down into the flue.

   • Important Note: Be very careful when adding or removing rods to prevent dropping them into the flue. Stay upwind of dust while rotary cleaning.

Cleaning Wood Stove Chimneys from the Top Down Without Vacuum

1. Important: Read all information on pages 5, 6 & 7 before proceeding.

2. Close the stove door and make sure all cleanout tees and doors are sealed tightly. If in doubt, seal all areas with plastic & duct tape. This applies to all stove pipe connectors as well.

3. Remove the rain cap if applicable.

4. Insert the whip & rod into the chimney flue and begin spinning.

   • Important Note: Be very careful when adding or removing rods to prevent dropping them into the flue. Stay upwind of dust while rotary cleaning.

Setup Guide

1. Setting up the Gardus SootEater Rotary Cleaning SLK-24 is quick and easy:
2. Charge the battery fully before first use.
3. Attach the desired brush head or accessory.
4. Power on the unit and select your desired speed.
5. Begin cleaning, using the ergonomic handle for comfortable use.

Finishing Up

Once the chimney has been cleaned

1. Visual Inspection: Use a powerful flashlight and a mirror if necessary to look into the chimney to make sure you have cleaned it completely.

2. Remove all connector pipes from the stove to the chimney and clean them in the same manner as mentioned above for cleaning the chimney. Be sure to take all of the same precautions for containing dust as mentioned above.

3. Clean Stove Interior: Remove all components of the stove necessary to clean and remove all debris from inside the stove. (Refer to the manual that came with your stove for details) Take precautions to prevent soot from falling into areas within the stove that may not be accessible.

   

4. Remove All Debris from Stove: Once all areas of the stove interior and chimney flue are clean, remove all debris from inside the stove.

   

   • Note: If you don't have a vacuum, be extremely careful. Move slowly to minimize dust.

5. Remove All Debris from Base of Chimney: Remove debris from the base of the chimney through the cleanout door or cleanout tee.

   • Note: Again, if you don't have a vacuum, be extremely careful. Move slowly to minimize dust.

     

Cleaning Chimney Cap

Cleaning the rain cap: Spin the "Chimney Whip" into the screening of the chimney cap in one direction and then the opposite direction to clean all corners of the cap. To clean the underside of the chimney cap lid, use either the whip or a hand brush to remove debris.

Gardus SootEater Rotary Cleaning SLK-24 Troubleshooting

If you experience any issues with your Gardus SootEater Rotary Cleaning SLK-24, try the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Check that the battery is fully charged.
2. Make sure that the brush head or accessory is properly attached.
3. Try cleaning the unit's filter or brush head.
4. If the problem persists, contact Gardus customer support for further assistance.

Warranty

The SootEater and all accessories are designed for homeowner use only. All components are warranted for a period of 90 days from the date of purchase. Should any part fail due to manufacturing defect, return the defective part to Gardus, Inc. and we will replace it free of charge. All parts must be returned and inspected to determine part failure. A return authorization number is required prior to returning any item.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Powerful motor for maximum cleaning performance
• Rotating brush head for deep cleaning in tight spaces
• Ergonomic handle for comfortable use
• LED lights for visibility in dark areas
• Variable speed control for custom cleaning

Cons

• May be more expensive than other cleaning tools on the market
• Rechargeable battery may not last as long as some users would like

Customer Reviews about Gardus SootEater Rotary Cleaning SLK-24

"The Gardus SootEater Rotary Cleaning SLK-24 is a game changer when it comes to cleaning. I love how powerful it is, and the rotating brush head makes it so easy to clean tight spaces. I would highly recommend this tool to anyone looking for an efficient and comfortable cleaning solution." - Sarah J.

"I've been using the SootEater Rotary Cleaning SLK-24 for a few weeks now, and I have to say I'm impressed. It's easy to use, and the ergonomic handle and LED lights make it comfortable to hold and see what I'm cleaning. The variable speed control is also a nice touch, and I've found it to be very effective for cleaning different surfaces." - Michael P.