There is nothing cosier in cold weather than a wood-burning fireplace.

In fact, during the winter of 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine, sparking massive energy crisis and, consequently, higher heating costs, fireplaces were used more frequently as a source of heat — that is, until the price of wood pellets skyrocketed as well. 

But whether used for heat or general ambience, Switzerland has strict rules concerning the cleaning and maintenance of fireplaces.  And all of them involve the black-clad figure of a chimney sweep.

Here is what you should know

Called kaminfeger in German, ramoneur in French, and spazzacamino in Italian, you can’t avoid the presence of a chimney sweep if there is an active fireplace in your home.

Whether or not he (or she) really brings good luck is debatable; what is certain, however, is that if one shows up at your doorstep carrying various  rods, brushes, and vaccums, you have to let them in.

That’s because anyone who has a fireplace in their home (or a wood-burning stove, which is quite rare these days) must have it professionally cleaned periodically — usually once a year — by a chimney sweep who is officially recognised in your canton.

Usually, you will receive a note in your letter box letting you know the date and time when a chimney sweep will come to your home. If that particular date is not convenient, you can call or email the company to change the appointment.

You cannot, however, refuse to have the fireplace cleaned — not only because it is against the law, but also because you’d be putting your and your family’s health and safety at risk.

This is why:

Over time, an active fireplace gets clogged with built-up soot and dust, including a debris called creosote, which is not only toxic but highly flammable as well.

It is important to remove these materials so they don’t cause any damage.

That’s the most common scenario, but some people were surprised (and not pleasantly) to see parts of dead birds and other animals stuck in their chimneys, which were discovered during the cleaning process.

So having your chimneys and fireplaces cleaned once a year (or whatever frequency your canton requires) is a good thing; refusing to do so can result in a fine, the amount of which will be determined by your municipality.

What happens when a chimney sweep comes to your home?

If you are concerned that your house will be dirtied during the process, don’t be.

Chimney sweeps come equipped with protective sheets which they spread on your floors around the fireplace, and they will vacuum up any residues afterwards.

They will begin from the flue — a duct through which smoke leaves your fireplace —  and work their way up, ending up by the chimney on the roof.

How much does the ‘sweep’ cost and who pays for it?

The price is determined by the canton, and usually costs several hundred francs for a standard clean-up.

If unforeseen problems are discovered during the process, the chimney sweep will let you know the additional cost. Always get it in writing though, never just verbally.

As to who pays for this service, if you own your dwellings, then you will have to pay. If you are a tenant, your landlord will, unless your rental agreement states otherwise.