How to Get Rid of the Ash Smell From Fireplaces

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Things You'll Need

  • Fireplace tools

  • Large paper grocery bag

  • Wet coffee grounds or tea leaves

  • White vinegar

  • Spray bottle

  • Paper towel

  • Small bowl

  • Baking soda

Whether you use your fireplace often or hardly ever, a buildup of ash can leave a stale smoky smell behind. This smell can permeate your entire home if you allow it to remain. Routine cleaning of your fireplace can help to reduce the likelihood of the ash smell taking over your home, but if you are already to this point you need to know how to get rid of the smell.

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Step 1

Remove as much of the ash from the fireplace as possible. Use the shovel and broom from your fireplace tools to remove it. Place the ash in a large paper grocery bag.

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Step 2

Sprinkle used, wet coffee grounds or tea leaves over any remaining ash in the fireplace. If you cannot remove the ash immediately, the coffee or tea leaves help to not only eliminate the smell, but also reduce dust from the ash.

Step 3

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.

Step 4

Spray the vinegar solution on the interior fireplace walls and on the inside of the fireplace glass. Wipe the ash away as much as possible. You will need to spray and wipe each section several times, especially if there is a lot of ash built up in the fireplace.

Step 5

Place a small bowl of baking soda in the fireplace and close the glass. As the baking soda sits, it will absorb some of the smoky smell.

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