How do I stop my chimney from smelling?
Whether your goal is to mask the smell, eliminate it or prevent it altogether, you have several options to extinguish fireplace odors.
- Clean and Repair the Chimney. …
- Use Fireplace Deodorant. …
- Deodorize with Vinegar. …
- Absorb the Smell with Charcoal. …
- Run an Air Purifier. …
- Have Your Fireplace Inspected. …
- Call Molly Maid for Help.
How long does creosote smell last?
For two or three days after it has been used, it emits a strong “smoky smell.” The fireplace has glass doors that we keep closed (before, during and after burning), and we remove all the ashes from the firebox after burning. We have not been able to correlate the problem to outside air pressure or outside temperature.
Why does my chimney smell on hot days?
To equalize the pressure, air moves down the chimney, making your house stink. Summer conditions add to the smoke-smell problem because our noses sense smells more intensely when the air is humid. In theory, closing the damper on your fireplace should stop the airflow where the air picks up the smell.
Why can I smell my chimney?
What Makes a Fireplace Stink? One of the primary reasons fireplaces reek in hot weather is that creosote (a tar-like byproduct of wood combustion) and ash have saturated the chimney during heavy winter use. The chimney comes into contact with the muggy outside air which reacts with the acidity of the creosote.
Why does my house smell like my fireplace?
Annual chimney sweeping will prevent this build up from occuring. The two most common causes of fireplace odors are water seeping into the chimney and negative air pressure in the home causing the smells to enter the room rather than leave the chimney through the roof.
Is the smell of creosote toxic?
Experts say they are. Breathing the creosote fumes given off by creosote-treated wood can cause asthma and other respiratory ailments, as well as stomach pain and a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, according to researchers from the UCLA Labor Occupational Safety & Health Program.
What does chimney creosote smell like?
Creosote is a byproduct of combustion and therefore has a distinctive smell. In fact, it often smells like smoke or burning wood. When you walk outside on a smoky day, the air will have that same creosote odor to it as well. It is very strong and pungent, so you notice it right away.
Can creosote make you sick?
These reports indicate that brief exposure to large amounts of coal tar creosote may result in a rash or severe irritation of the skin, chemical burns of the surfaces of the eye, convulsions and mental confusion, kidney or liver problems, unconsciousness, or even death.
How long does creosote poisoning last?
Coal tar, creosote, crude coal tar, or pitch, in conjunction with sunlight exposure, may induce a sunburn reaction associated with a severe burning sensation. These volatile hydrocarbons may be airborne, so the patient may give no history of touching tar products. The burning and erythema may continue for 1–3 days.
Will creosote burn off?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: One of the questions that we frequently hear at the office here is can I just burn my chimney out to get rid of the creosote deposits. And the answer is no you order the different types of creosote.
How do you know if you have creosote build up?
Signs of Creosote Build-Up
- Reduced drafting in fireplace.
- Less ash and more wood in fireplace after a fire.
- Black soot in and around fireplace.
- Very dark smoke from chimney.
- You can visibly see more than 1/8 of an inch of soot build-up.
How do you test a chimney for creosote?
Use your fireplace poker.
Scratch the smoke chamber above your damper to see if there is any creosote. Even if the layer of tar seems very thin, it’s time to call a chimney sweep ASAP. If you have more than 1/8 of an inch of buildup, do not use the chimney until it is clean.
What dissolves creosote?
Creosote is moderately soluble in water. Spraying water onto the creosote will help to remove the liquid. However, creosote is a type of oil that is never removed fully by water. Bleach and industrial cleaners will help to pull the creosote out of clothes and off of skin or other surfaces.
