Cleaning a rocket mass heater?

Forgive me if a thread already exists, I can't seem to find what I am looking for.

Are there any threads or information out there on cleaning a Rocket Mass Heater?

I can find step by step instructions for wood stoves, for more conventional systems, but I can't seem to find one on rocket mass heaters.

Thanks you in advance for any information.

Hi Tim;
What exactly are you wanting to clean?
What type of RMH were you thinking of?

A batchbox into a bell only needs the firebox ash scooped out.
A J-tube into a bell is the same.

Perhaps you are referring to a piped mass?

There are several ways to clean a piped mass.
If there are  properly placed cleanout points, a chimney brush can push any ash towards it.
The vertical chimney never needs cleaning... NO Roof work!
A proper built J-tube should only show ash in the first few feet of piping, I build a tool to reach past the ash and pull it back to my transition area.

I suppose I might of asked too general of a question. I didn't realize the different styles may dictate the cleaning requirements.

It is that time of year where I am cleaning my household boiler (not a RMH) and I started to read up on the maintenance needs of other systems. I decided to explore a bit about RMHs but was having issues finding anything.

It sounds like it may be minimal if its a batchbox or a bell.

[quote=Timothy Norton
It is that time of year where I am cleaning my household boiler (not a RMH) and I started to read up on the maintenance needs of other systems. I decided to explore a bit about RMHs but was having issues finding anything.

It sounds like it may be minimal if its a batchbox or a bell.

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Yes, indeed the maintenance is LOW, and with proper clean outs, easy.    Long ago, I invested in a ash vac intended for a wood stove.  the kind that has a metal pail, a fire proof hose, fire proff filter, and although it can suck up some small coals, really no need for that. I use simply to clean the burn chamber, rather than pulling out the ash and scooping up.

back to the vac--

This unit has enough ash filtration to it, that it can easily clean just about any rocket mass stove offerings, although as stated, there will be little of that. I can easily go every 3rd year, if I want to.

If you meant having trouble finding anything on RMH's, this location should have everything you need.  Be aware there are lots of suggestions on the internet, about RMH's that come forth after one day of burning, often have lots of metal involved, or even concrete for burn chambers.  I think you will find on this site, a much more practical aspect, where use of fire bricks, and clay based mortars. for building stoves for years and years of use. I certainly intend for mine to last 15 years or more.

Best of success.

I think that dusting off any surfaces that are going to get hot before you use them would be a good idea. When I use a dusty wood stove or electric heater, I always get the smell of burning skin the first time I use it. The dust burns off fast. But when I remember to dust it first, I don't have to smell it.