Proudly American
Follow the material after it loosens
A chimney can have offsets, a smoke shelf or appliance parts where material collects. CSIA explains that deposits affected by a chemical treatment may still need mechanical removal. An empty firebox after using the product does not tell you what stayed higher in the system.
Ask how the deposits were characterized
A professional might recommend a particular treatment for a difficult deposit as one step in a broader cleaning plan. Ask what was found, what the product is intended to change and when the affected surfaces will be assessed again. A product advertised for some systems need not be appropriate in yours.
Decide what belongs on the next invoice
A cleaning record should identify the fireplace or appliance, the passage addressed and any inaccessible areas or remaining condition. Keep prior product use as a separate note. If smoke behavior changed, describe that separately instead of assuming a second log will correct it.