How To Remove The Creosote Smell

Creosote, a carbon that builds up in fireplaces, is flammable, and if it builds up enough, it can cause a chimney fire that can destroy your home. Avoid this risk by regularly cleaning your chimney and ensuring it is vented properly. Creosote also emits a strong smell that many associate with a wood-burning fire. The smell may remain even after you've removed dangerous buildup from your chimney. Fortunately, you can remove this smell from your home.

Step 1

Place an old sheet around the fireplace so the ash from it does not damage your flooring.

Step 2

Sweep up as much of the ash as possible and discard.

Step 3

Put on gloves and goggles to protect yourself from the cleaning solution. Trisodium phosphate may irritate some individuals.

Step 4

Dilute trisodium phosphate with water according to the manufacturer's instructions. Mix the solution until all of the trisodium phosphate has dissolved.

Step 5

Pour the solution into a spray bottle. Spray until you've soaked the fireplace floor and walls and all of the remaining ash.

Step 6

Scrub the fireplace floor and walls with a medium-bristle brush to loosen the creosote and ash.

Step 7

Wipe up the creosote and cleaning solution with clean cloths.

Step 8

Dampen a clean cloth with clear water and run it over the entire surface to rinse away as much of the cleaning solution as possible.

Step 1

Fill a bowl full of distilled white vinegar.

Step 2

Put the bowl in the center of the room. The white vinegar will neutralize the smell in the room.

Step 3

Leave the bowl alone for at least 24 hours.

Step 4

Repeat the process if the smell still remains. If the room is large, use two bowls and place them on opposite ends of the room.

Step 1

Sprinkle baking soda over the affected piece of furniture or carpet.

Step 2

Let the baking soda sit for at least two hours. The baking soda will absorb the creosote smell from the item.

Step 3

Vacuum up the baking soda. Repeat the process if the smell remains.