How To Get Rid Of The Fireplace Smell 

Cozying up to a warm fireplace in your home on a winter night is second to few things. In the moment, the earthy smoky smell may not bother you or your family members. However, as time goes on, you may be less apt to enjoy the smell of a lingering fire around your home. Luckily, there are some methods to lessen this smell. First, let’s take a look at why this smell accumulates. 

Why does my fireplace smell?

Well, there may be a few different causes for a lingering odor. 

• If you smell a lingering fire, you may have excess soot and creosote. 

Creosote is a byproduct that is natural for fires. It accumulates along the inner walls of your chimney and is highly flammable. It also comes with a not-so-pleasant smell that is especially strong when the weather warms up. While you may not notice it in the winter, it will likely become stronger in the warmer months, especially if accompanied by rain. 

• If you smell a decaying smell, you may have unwanted dead animals or decaying debris. 

Unfortunately, sometimes animals find their way into our chimneys and can’t find their way out. As they decay, they leave behind a specific odor that is unpleasant. The same could be said for decaying debris trapped inside your chimney. 

• If you smell a musty or moldy smell, it may be excess unwanted moisture.

Moisture is not necessarily a good thing in chimneys because it can quickly turn to mold. This comes with an unpleasant smell and potential health risks. 

Solving fireplace smells

If you notice one or more of the above smells and think you’re experiencing any of the causes, it’s best to call a professional. If you have a creosote buildup, you’re likely in need of a professional cleaning to take away the excess buildup. These cleanings are recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) every year or more often if you have fires more often. 

Decaying smells most likely also require attention from a professional. The animal or debris causing the smell will be unpleasant to remove and there are professionals that specialize in this. Similarly, moisture and mold require professionals — potentially from chimney professionals and mold remediation services. Rebuilding may be necessary for some cases while others may just need sealing and to take care of the mold. 

If you can’t pinpoint the smell or root cause, you can also call your local chimney professionals. Experienced teams can determine the cause

Smelly Chimney? Call Hudson Valley Chimney today! 

If you’re experiencing any of the above mentioned unwanted chimney smells, it may be time to call a professional. Our experienced team is always ready to take on a challenge and can rectify any issues you may be experiencing.

From build to maintenance and any repairs, our team is here to help. Call us today at 845-471-1071 to get started with repairs.