Abstract: The method of flue and fireplace cleaning includes the preparatory steps, if needed, of cleaning out ashes from a pit or sump, followed by connecting a vacuum hose to a low point in each system and spraying an industrial type detergent steam spray through a steam hose from the top of the chimney downward, loosening all sooty deposits in the form of a wet slurry which is collected and removed through the vacuum hose. A fireplace is cleaned by a similar steam spray and vacuum operation after sealing the fireplace opening by means of a tight-fitting shield having openings for the steam and vacuum conduits. In flue cleaning the vacuum hose is connected by means of an adaptor having an inwardly projecting ledge which intercepts falling debris and directs it into the hose, and in industrial installations the vacuum removal system may be replaced by a removable receptacle occupying the bottom of a stack in a position to receive the debris from periodic steam cleaning operations.