How to Stop Kerosene Heater From Smelling

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Kerosene heaters are popular for people who need supplemental heat in their homes, especially during the winter. But is your kerosene heater starting to smell a little strange? If so, you can do a few things to stop the scent from permeating your home.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the causes of kerosene heater smells and how to stop kerosene heater from smelling. We’ll also provide tips for keeping your kerosene heater running smoothly throughout winter. Read on to learn more.

What Causes Kerosene Heater Smells?

There are a few different things that can cause your kerosene heater to start emitting strange smells. One of the most common causes is simply dirty burning. Kerosene is burned in a heater and leaves a sooty residue behind. This residue can build up on the heater’s wick, causing the kerosene to burn less efficiently and produce more smoke.

The smoke from a dirty kerosene heater can cause your home to smell musty or smoky. Another common cause of kerosene heater smelling is a dirty fuel tank. If the kerosene in your heater’s tank is old or has been sitting for a while, it can start to break down and produce a foul odor. Even if you’ve just recently filled your heater’s tank, impurities in the kerosene can cause it to produce an unpleasant smell.

The other cause of kerosene heater smells a malfunctioning burner. If your heater’s burner is dirty or clogged, it can cause the kerosene to burn less efficiently and produce more smoke and odor. A faulty burner can also cause your kerosene heater to produce a “wet” smell, which is caused by the kerosene not burning completely.

Finally, if your kerosene heater is producing a strange smell but you can’t identify the cause, it’s always best to have it inspected by a qualified technician. They will be able to identify the cause of the smell and make any necessary repairs.

Some Simple Ways How to Stop Kerosene Heater From Smelling

1. Clean the Wick

The first step in stopping your kerosene heater from smelling is to clean the wick. Over time, the wick will become coated with soot and other residues, which can cause the kerosene to burn less efficiently and produce more smoke. To clean the wick, remove it from the heater and soak it in a solution of warm water and dish soap. Once the wick is clean, dry it off and replace it in the heater.

2. Clean the Heater’s Burner

The next step is to clean the heater’s burner. A dirty or clogged burner can cause the kerosene to burn less efficiently and produce more smoke. To clean the burner, remove it from the heater and disassemble it. Brush away any soot or debris with a soft brush. If the burner is very dirty, you may need to soak it in a solution of water and vinegar overnight. If the wick is damaged, you will need to replace it.

3. Clean the Fuel Tank

The next step is to clean the fuel tank. Start by draining all of the kerosene from the tank. Then, rinse the tank out with a solution of water and vinegar. Let the tank dry completely before refilling it with fresh kerosene. If the smell persists, you may need to repeat this process a few times.

4. Inspect the Heater for leaks

If your kerosene heater is leaking, it could be the cause of the smell. Inspect the heater for any cracks or leaks. If you find a leak, you will need to have the heater repaired or replaced. To repair a leak, First, clean the area around the leak with a solution of water and vinegar. Then, apply a generous amount of epoxy resin to the area and allow it to dry completely. If you can’t repair the leak, you will need to replace the heater.

5. Use Fresh, Quality Kerosene

If you’re using old or low-quality kerosene, it could be the cause of the smell. Always use fresh, high-quality kerosene in your heater. If you’re not sure if the kerosene is fresh, you can test it by pouring a small amount into a cup and lighting it with a match. If the kerosene is fresh, it will burn cleanly with no odor. Try to use kerosene that has been refined multiple times for the best results.

6. Store the Kerosene in a Clean, Dry Container

If you’re storing the kerosene in a dirty or damp container, it could be the cause of the smell. Always store the kerosene in a clean, dry container. The best option is to use a metal gas can with a tight-fitting lid. If you’re using a plastic can, ensure it’s clean and dry before adding the kerosene.

7. Store Kerosene Away From Heat Sources

If you’re storing the kerosene near a heat source, it could cause the kerosene to evaporate and produce an unpleasant smell. Always store kerosene away from heat sources such as stoves, furnaces, and water heaters. The best option is to store the kerosene in a cool, dark place such as a basement or garage. If you must store the kerosene in a warm area, consider placing the container on a cooling rack.

8. Use a Fan to Ventilate the Area

If your kerosene heater is located in a poorly ventilated area, it could be the cause of the smell. To ventilate the area, open a window or door and place a fan near the heater. The fan will help to circulate the air and remove the smell. If the smell persists, you may need to move the heater to a more ventilated area.

9. Don’t Overfill the Tank

If you fill the tank too full, it can cause the kerosene to spill and produce an unpleasant smell. Always fill the tank no more than three-quarters full to avoid spillage. If you do spill kerosene, be sure to clean it up immediately. Try to avoid spillage by using a funnel when filling the tank.

10. Use Scented Kerosene

If you’re still having trouble with the smell, you can try using scented kerosene. There are various scented kerosene products on the market, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using scented kerosene.

11. Try a Different Fuel

If you’re still not happy with the smell of your kerosene heater, you may want to try using a different fuel. Various alternative fuels are available, such as propane, natural gas, and electricity. Each type of fuel has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so be sure to do your research before making a decision.

How Long Kerosene Smell Last?

The smell of kerosene should dissipate within a few hours. However, the smell may linger for days or weeks if the area is poorly ventilated. If the smell is particularly strong, you may want to consider moving the heater to a more ventilated area. The smell can also be caused by using old or low-quality kerosene.

Tips and Warnings on How to Stop Kerosene Heater From Smelling

Tips:

Be sure to have proper ventilation when using your kerosene heater.
Fill the tank with fresh, clean kerosene.
Use a funnel to avoid spillage when adding kerosene to the heater.
Clean the wick and chimney regularly.
Store your kerosene in a well-ventilated area.
Keep the area around your kerosene heater clean and free of clutter.

Warnings:

Never use gasoline in your kerosene heater.
Do not overfill the tank.
Do not use water to extinguish a kerosene fire.
Never leave your kerosene heater unattended while it is in use.
Keep children and pets away from the kerosene heater.

By following these tips and warnings, you can help to prevent your kerosene heater from smelling.

Conclusion

Although kerosene heaters are popular for heating your home, they can often produce an unpleasant smell. In this article, we have provided different ways how to stop kerosene heater from smelling. We hope that this information is helpful and allows you to enjoy your kerosene heater without any unwanted smells. Have you tried any of these methods to stop your kerosene heater from smelling? Let us know in the comments below.