Do they work or is it poo poo dust? On wood stove. Looking to avoid mid winter cleaning.

I use them, but still clean chimney monthly. I think they help but I still clean. You can't be too careful

I use them to they work sort of.

I don't use them , burn the first fire of every day hot and air controls open from day one of the heating season and see how your cleaning looks.

mine stays clean enough doing that a years worth is about a cup of black dust when I clean

I can not get on my roof to clean I clean from the bottom trash bag and tape with the brush in the bag to start and a small hole with the first section of rod in it.

creosote is a cold chimney that condenses the gas in the chimney , get it hot and it dries out and flakes off or doesn't form

the issue is when you let it build up then get it hot it is rocket fuel , a days worth burning off isn't an issue it is like a thimble of gas on a fire , a seasons worth is too much and more than the chimney may be able to contain if that rocket tries to take off.

I think they help
but are not the whole answer

I've heard you don't want that ash in your garden/lawn. FYI

Thanks for the info. I’m going to stick with regular cleaning.

They help with the cleaning, dries out the creosote so the brush removes it easier.