What’s That Smell? Unusual Chimney Odours and What They Mean

Nadia Crighton
Jun 5
4 min read

bad chimney smells can be a sign of problems — Chimney smells can be a sign of something much more sinister

…And How to Fix Them

There’s nothing quite like lighting your fire on a frosty Marlborough evening — the crackling warmth, the flickering glow, the cozy comfort… until suddenly you catch a whiff of something that’s just not right.

Whether it’s a musty odour, a sharp creosote smell, or something that reminds you of a wildlife documentary gone wrong, chimney smells are more than just unpleasant — they’re often warning signs of a serious issue inside your flue.

In this guide, we’re breaking down the most common chimney smells in New Zealand, what they mean, and how to fix them. If your fireplace is suddenly giving off suspicious odours, this one’s for you.

🦨 Common Chimney Smells NZ Homeowners Experience

1. Creosote Smell (Sharp, Smoky, and Tar-Like)

A creosote smell in your chimney is one of the most common issues we deal with at The Chimney Sweep Company. Creosote is a natural byproduct of wood combustion, and over time, it builds up inside your flue. This sticky, tar-like substance emits a strong, smoky odour, particularly noticeable during Blenheim’s damp winter months.

🧯 Why it matters:Creosote is highly flammable and is a leading cause of chimney fires in New Zealand.

✅ Solution:Booking regular chimney cleaning in Marlborough is the best way to eliminate creosote smell and reduce fire risks. Always burn seasoned firewood to minimise buildup.

2. Damp or Musty Fireplace Odour

If your fireplace smells like a wet towel or damp socks, you're likely dealing with moisture inside your chimney. This can be due to rain entering through an uncovered flue or condensation buildup — both common in winter.

🧯 Why it matters:Moisture can lead to mould, structural damage to your chimney liner, and unhealthy indoor air quality.

✅ Solution:Installing a chimney cowl is a great way to prevent rainwater and animals from entering your flue. If you already have one, it might be time for an inspection or replacement.

3. Dead Animal in Chimney Smell

If your chimney smells like something died inside it…it might have. Birds, rodents, or even possums can fall into chimneys and become stuck. The result? A rotten meat smell that lingers and gets worse by the day.

🧯 Why it matters:A dead animal in your chimney is not just unpleasant — it can cause blockages, attract pests, and pose serious health risks.

✅ Solution:This is a job for the pros. Our team can safely remove animals from your chimney and sanitise the area to prevent further issues.

4. Plastic or Chemical Fireplace Odour

If you smell burning plastic or a chemical odour when lighting your fire, stop immediately. This could mean there’s a foreign object lodged in your chimney — often old insulation, melted plastic, or even toys (yes, we’ve seen it all). Homeowners can be surprised at what the local bird life can drop into a chimney!

🧯 Why it matters:Burning plastic releases toxic fumes, which can be extremely hazardous, especially in enclosed winter spaces.

✅ Solution:A chimney inspection in Marlborough will identify and remove any unsafe materials. Never light your fire if you suspect something foreign is in the flue.

5. Smoke Smell with No Fire Burning

If you can smell smoke even when your fireplace isn’t in use, you could be dealing with a chimney downdraft. This occurs when cold outside air pushes the stale smell of soot and smoke back into your living room — a common issue in winter.

🧯 Why it matters:This not only makes your home smell bad, but it can also lower your indoor air quality and even lead to carbon monoxide risks.

✅ Solution:We can inspect and clean your chimney, and install anti-downdraft solutions like draft regulators or a chimney balloon.

Chimney Sweep Blenheim — Book a chimney sweep today

🧼 How to Prevent Chimney Odours in Winter

Winter is when we get the most calls about chimney smells — and it’s also the season when odours are hardest to ignore. Here’s how to stay ahead of them:

✅ Winter Chimney Care Checklist:

Schedule your annual chimney sweep before peak season
Install or inspect your chimney cowl
Keep the damper closed when not in use to prevent drafts
Always use dry, untreated firewood
Avoid burning anything that isn’t wood (no rubbish or plastics!)

❄️ Don’t Let Fireplace Odours Ruin Your Winter Vibes

Chimney odours are more than just annoying — they can signal dangerous blockages, damage, or fire risks. Whether you’re dealing with a creosote smell, a dead animal in the chimney, or just a mysterious funk, The Chimney Sweep Company is here to help.

We’re Marlborough locals who know chimneys inside out. With friendly service, no mess, and quick bookings, we’ll have your fireplace fresh, safe, and ready for the cold.