Creosote smells really bad. If you’re noticing a bad smoky smell that seems to constantly be coming from your fireplace, finding a way to get rid of it – and fast – is a must for keeping the ambiance of your home in check.
Quick Fixes for Creosote Smells: Do They Work?
Now, there are a lot of “quick fixes” and DIY solutions for resolving creosote-related smells… but do they work? We’re skeptical. Let’s check it out.
The “Air It Out” Method
Directions: The first thing you should do when you notice a creosote smell is open up your windows and doors. Letting fresh air circulate through your home can help to dissipate the odor. If you have a fan or air purifier, turn it on to help move the air around. If the smell is coming from your clothes, try hanging them outside to air out. The sunshine and fresh air can work wonders.
The Problem With Air It Out
This isn’t an effective long-term solution because you can’t keep the windows and doors open 24/7.
Using Vinegar
Directions: Vinegar is a powerful and natural deodorizer that can help get rid of the creosote smell. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spritz the affected area. You can use this solution on walls, floors, furniture, and even your clothes. If the smell is particularly stubborn, you can try soaking your clothes in a mixture of vinegar and water before washing them. Just be sure to rinse them thoroughly afterward.
The Problem With Using Vinegar
Some have found that this took several gallons of vinegar to spray in and around the fireplace – and only to end up having their space smell like a campfire soaked in vinegar. Again, not a great long-term solution.
Try Baking Soda
Directions: Baking soda is another natural deodorizer that can help get rid of the creosote smell. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets, upholstery, and other fabric surfaces, and let it sit for several hours or overnight. Then, vacuum it up. You can also mix baking soda with water to make a paste, then use it to scrub hard surfaces like floors and walls. Rinse with water afterward.
The Problem With Trying Baking Soda
This hasn’t proven to be all that effective either. Maybe it’ll work a little bit, but it isn’t likely to mask that strong smell of creosote. Not to mention, you’ll need to buy baking soda in bulk if this is a solution you want to try and implement for the long haul.
Use Activated Charcoal
Directions: Activated charcoal is a popular odor absorber that can help get rid of the creosote smell. You can buy activated charcoal in the form of bags or sachets, and place them in areas where the smell is strongest. Activated charcoal works by trapping odor molecules in its pores. You can reuse activated charcoal by placing it in the sun for a few hours to “recharge” it.
The Problem With Activated Charcoal
Buying a lot of these bags and spreading them around the fireplace just isn’t the most ideal solution for most – especially when it comes to explaining the bags every time company is over. They don’t look great, and it’s a bit of a hassle to deal with them over and over again.
Don’t Forget About Your Pets – Who Knew?
If you have pets, they can also pick up the smell of creosote in their fur. Here’s a tip someone had to get rid of this smell in pets.
Directions. To get rid of the smell on your pets, give them a bath with a pet-friendly shampoo. You can also wipe them down with a cloth soaked in white vinegar.
The Problem With the Pet Solution
Who wants to give a cat a bath every single day? Enough said.
The Best Solutions to Get Rid of Creosote Smells for Good
So, it’s clear that a “quick fix” isn’t going to do it. What do our chimney experts recommend for getting rid of that odor?
✓ Clean Your Chimney
Get your chimney professionally swept (cleaned) and inspected. If you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove, creosote buildup is just a fact of life – and it not only smells bad, but also is a fire hazard and carcinogenic. So, have your chimney professionally cleaned regularly.
Stop right now and pick up the phone and call Winston’s Chimney Service at 703-379-5006 or schedule it right here online. A clean chimney will not only get rid of the creosote smell, but it will also help your fireplace or stove work more efficiently and safely too.
✓ Prevention Is Key
Once you get rid of the creosote smell, now is the time to prevent it from returning. If you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove, make sure to use dry, seasoned wood. Wet or green wood produces more creosote buildup. You should also have your chimney inspected and swept regularly, especially if you use your fireplace or stove frequently.
We’re Here to Help – Call Now to Book Your Sweeping
So while that creosote smell is unpleasant, it’s not impossible to get rid of it, especially when you trust a dedicated team of chimney experts like us. Call Winston’s Chimney Service at 703-379-5006 or reach out to us online today. We’re here to handle your inspections, sweepings, repair services, and more.
