Be prepared for a mess, use the plastic provided to mitigate the black dust cloud you are going to create. I suggest a shop vac hose in the fireplace while cleaning. Check fitment of rods prior to starting cleaning process, I found 2 rod connections did not fit and lock into place. Minor modification on these 2 rods ie. clearance of the hole alignment to get them to lock. I used a corded drill, Batt powered did not last long enough. I was very pleased with the cleaning ability, flu was spotless,See full review