How to Remove A Musty Smell From Your Fireplace [3+ Ways]

  • The smell of a fireplace can be eliminated by closing the damper, purchasing a fireplace door, and regularly sweeping the chimney
  • Mold and mildew may grow in chimneys if they are not cleaned regularly, which can cause health problems
  • Fixing a mold and mildew problem is easy and can be done with a chimney sweep kit or a fireplace door
  • Learn about how to remove fireplace smells in the summer

Musty odors emanating from your fireplace aren’t only awful, but they frequently signal the presence of dangerous dampness and mold in your chimney. If not handled, chimney mildew and mold will spread throughout your home and into your body.

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Why Do Fireplaces Smell Bad?

Before you begin cleaning, it is vital to understand what generates the fireplace smells. Most of the time, these odors are caused by one or several of the following prevalent causes:

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Creosote and Soot Build-up

Creosote and Soot Build-up

Creosote is a combustible dark brown or black tar generated by wood smoke. Soot is by the incomplete combustion of organic materials like wood. It is black, granular or flaky, and primarily composed of amorphous carbon.

Excess creosote is eliminated during yearly chimney checks. Not only is creosote removal essential for keeping your chimney in excellent operating order, but creosote buildup may make your fireplace stink like asphalt or stale barbecue.

Moisture

Water inside the chimney can produce an awful musty odor. Installing a chimney cover is the most effective approach to reduce dampness in the chimney.

Leaves

Leaves that drop and accumulate in the chimney can emit a rotten odor as they decay over time. Other dirt can also get into the chimney, which is why a chimney cover is a fantastic accessory and an excellent investment.

Animals, Alive or Dead

Another typical origin of fireplace odor is pests. Animals in your chimney, whether dead or living, can generate a foul odor. Either fragrance has the potential to spoil your fireplace enjoyment.

5 Ways to Remove the Fireplace Smell from Your Home

There are various strategies for removing unwanted fireplace smells. Some need the assistance of a specialist, and others are real home solutions. The following are 5 of the most successful fireplace smell remedies.

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1. Charcoal

Charcoal

Using charcoal is one of the easiest methods to eliminate fireplace smells. Charcoal has the capacity to naturally neutralize smells. Because of this intrinsic property, it is a quick and straightforward approach to lessen the stench emanating from your chimney.

2. Fireplace Deodorant

If your DIY fireplace scent treatments aren’t working, you might try buying fireplace deodorant. These solutions have a specific mix that aids in the removal of fireplace odors with minimum effort on your side.

3. Frequent Chimney Sweeping

chimney sweep

Mold and mildew-infested chimneys require frequent sweeps, preferably weekly. To totally eliminate mold or mildew growth, frequent sweeping is required.

If you cannot afford to pay a chimney sweep on a regular basis, you might want to consider purchasing a chimney cleaning kit.

4. Close the Damper

The damper is in charge of isolating your chimney from your living area. It keeps outside air from entering your home through your chimney.

You may lessen the scent of your fireplace by closing the damper. While this is a simple remedy, it is worth trying to ensure that your damper is shut before attempting any more elaborate solutions.

5. Purchase a Fireplace Door

Fireplace Door

A fireplace door is essentially a physical obstacle that helps keep undesirable odors out of your house.

A fireplace door, like the chimney and the damper cap, is another means to prevent air from passing down the chimney and then into your home.

Fireplace doors are available in a variety of styles, so select one that complements the distinctive form and dimensions of your fireplace. Additionally, ensure that the door is constructed of a non-porous material. Otherwise, the door will not protect you from airborne smells.

How I dealt with my musty-smelling fireplace

Musty-smelling fireplaces are a common problem in New England homes. I had always thought that it was just normal to have a fireplace that made your nose wrinkle, but when I moved into my new home, the smell was so strong that it kept me up at night.

I tried all of the standard tricks to get rid of the smell- closing the damper, using charcoal, spraying deodorant into the fire- but nothing worked. I even had a chimney sweep come and inspect my chimney, but he said that everything looked normal.

The only thing that seemed to work was keeping the door to the fireplace closed, but that wasn’t really a practical solution. I wanted to be able to use my fireplace!

After a while, I started to think that maybe the smell was coming from something else in my house. I did some research and found out that mold and mildew can grow in chimneys, especially if they’re not cleaned regularly. I was so embarrassed that I had been trying to fix the smell of my fireplace when it was actually coming from somewhere else in my house!

Luckily, fixing the mold and mildew problem was relatively easy. I just had to clean out the chimney and install a chimney cap. Now my fireplace smells great and doesn’t keep me up at night anymore.

Final Thoughts

If your fireplace has a musty smell, it is critical to properly check your firebox and chimney to ensure that no molds or mildew has grown. If excess moisture is trapped in the chimney, contact an experienced fireplace specialist immediately to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

When lighting your fireplace, always use the vent and leave it operating for 50-10 mins after you have switched off the fireplace.

Mold and mildew may spread if left unchecked, costing you several thousand dollars in house repairs and perhaps compromising your respiratory health.

Eugene Duke Pic

Hi, my name’s Eugene Duke and I love sitting by my fireplace reading a book and sipping on an adult beverage. Do you have a fireplace in your house? I’ll help you figure out the best type and style of fireplace for your home.

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