Odors From a Wood Stove

Creosote

• Creosote is the unburned remains of wood that mixes with the smoke and exits the stove through the stovepipe. Similar to tar, it attaches to the pipe and can have a strong, acrid smell. Burning small amounts of seasoned hardwoods will decrease creosote formation, as will opening the stove door slightly or opening the air inlet, according to the Michigan State University Extension. Purchase a round chimney brush to remove the creosote from your stovepipe, or hire a chimney sweep to do it for you.

New Stove Odor

• A new or repainted stove can have an odor until the excess paint burns off the interior. Although you cannot prevent this, you can season the stove to prepare it for an extended fire. Burn several small fires while your windows are open. These small fires slowly remove most of the paint from the stove's interior, leaving very little residue to burn when you have your first large fire.

Dead Animals

• If your stovepipe does not have a screen, animals can nest in the pipe and die. Removing an animal requires hiring a professional chimney cleaner, as the animal might be diseased. Placing a stovepipe screen -- typically available at most hardware and home-improvement stores -- on the end of the pipe prevents rodents, lizards and birds from entering the pipe and becoming trapped.

Sooty Odor

• Even after you've cleaned the stovepipe, your stove can have a sooty odor if rain gets into the pipe. Placing a cap on the end of the pipe to keep rain from entering can help to keep the ashes dry. Keeping an ash bucket and shovel near the stove makes it easier to remove the ashes when they get damp or build up too much. Making sure that the top of your stovepipe is at least 2 feet higher than your roof is essential to prevent downdrafts that can push smoke and odors from your stove into your house.