How to Get Rid of Fireplace Smell

Smoke from a fireplace can cause an unpleasant odor. To get rid of this, consider putting a pot of vinegar into the fireplace. This substance has the ability to absorb all kinds of odors. Some homeowners even coat the walls of their fireplace with the liquid. After it dries, the smell will go away.

Closing the damper

Keeping the damper closed on your fireplace can help minimize smoke and smells from the fireplace. If you notice that the smell is increasing, this can be caused by a draft from the chimney, which causes more smoke to be emitted into your home. There are a number of reasons for this draft, but a few simple fixes can resolve the problem.

If you are unable to completely eliminate the smell, consider a professional chimney sweeping service. A chimney sweeping service can remove creosote and debris and increase draft space. Though this may not be 100% effective, it will minimize the foul smell. Another cause of fireplace smell is negative air pressure, which can be reduced by closing the damper. Alternatively, you can install a glass fireplace door, which will help control air pressure and reduce the odor throughout the house.

If you cannot open the damper completely, you can partially open it. However, this may restrict the flow of smoke and will fill the room with smoke. If you do not open the damper completely, you can reduce the smell by closing the damper after the fire is out completely.

Another method to get rid of the smell from your fireplace is to replace the damper with a new one. The damper in your fireplace is often damaged and will require costly replacement. If this option is not possible, you can install a top-sealing damper that can be installed in the fireplace chimney.

The smell from your fireplace may also be caused by a buildup of creosote, which is a byproduct of burning wood. If this happens, the smell will spread throughout the house. This can be harmful for your family, especially if you have children or elderly members in your home. This can also lead to a chimney fire.

Cleaning the chimney

If you’re having trouble getting rid of the smell coming from your fireplace, you might need to clean the chimney. A dirty chimney can cause an odor and could even be dangerous. A dirty chimney can hold a buildup of creosote. This substance is a dangerous byproduct of a fireplace’s combustion and can make it more likely to catch fire. If the smell is especially strong, you might need to call a chimney inspector to help you determine what’s causing the problem.

When you burn fossil fuels, soot and creosote form inside the chimney. This material combines with water to form a foul odor. Ideally, your chimney should have a draft so that the smoke can travel outside. Alternatively, you can try wiping down the walls with a soapy solution.

Another problem that may be contributing to the smell of your fireplace is bees in the chimney. Unfortunately, bees are an annoyance for some people, and it is not always possible to completely eliminate them. However, you can prevent this by waterproofing your chimney. You can also check for drafts coming from your chimney. These drafts can draw smelly air from outside into your house, especially in summer.

If you are unable to get rid of the smell from the fireplace, you can hire a chimney technician to come and clean the chimney. A chimney technician will be able to remove any buildup of creosote and debris and increase the draft space in your home. Cleaning the chimney is not 100% effective, but it can greatly reduce the odor you’re experiencing.

In addition to cleaning the chimney, you can also check the chimney’s liner for creosote. This tar-like byproduct of combustion is responsible for the smell. It’s the main substance that needs to be cleaned out during a chimney cleaning.

Charcoal

There are several ways to remove a bad fireplace smell. A window or box fan will draw fresh air into the room and speed up the odor removal process. Another effective way is to soak a cloth in vinegar, which can neutralize the odor quickly. Make sure the cloth is damp, otherwise you might splash vinegar around the room.

Diluted ammonia or white distilled vinegar can be used to clean out the fireplace’s interior. This solution is also helpful for removing the lingering ash smell. Be sure to test the solution in a hidden area before using it on the fireplace. You can also sprinkle a bit of baking soda on the walls or floor of the fireplace. This solution should have an effect within 48 hours.

Cleaning the fireplace regularly is vital to removing a smoky smell. Fire ash often lingers in carpets and on soft furnishings. If you can’t remove the smell by cleaning, you can sprinkle baking soda on these surfaces. You can then vacuum the area several times to remove the powder. If the odor is still persistent, you can apply odor neutralizing fabric spray to eliminate the smell permanently.

The first step in getting rid of a foul fireplace smell is cleaning it. A damp, smoky smell may be due to a clogged chimney. Regularly cleaning the fireplace can prevent the formation of a tar-like substance called creosote.

Another option is placing charcoal in the firebox. This will neutralize the odor and remove the smoke particles. If you don’t have charcoal, you can also use kitty litter.