"Fireplace" Smell With Humidity

[mensa]

Just curious if anyone has a trick/tip to get rid of "fireplace" smell on humid summer days. This year, after cleaning the fireplace, I've sprinkled coffee grounds in it, but I've no idea if it'll be effective.

Anyone else have an idea on how to combat this?

[trammatic]

I've used baking soda to absorb fireplace odors before.  After cleaning the ash out, pour a whole box or two into a pan and set it in there.

[happy]

Sometimes depending on the temperature gradient inside compared to the temperature outside, the air in the chimney will descend and spill out into the room with a nasty stale smoke/fire smell. I think this is what your describing. If you put a lighted candle in the fireplace the air will heat up and create an updraft stopping the smell ( it will take up to half an hour to dissipate).  It will come back when the candle burns out if the weather conditions are still the same. Not all fireplaces smell like this: I think it must be a design flaw.

[mensa]

Yes, Happy, this is exactly what I'm describing. Thanks for the candle idea. Will give it a go. Cheers!

[woodgeek]

If you can't airseal it (to block natural airflow down the chimney in summer), I second the pan of baking soda....worked for many time.

Failing that, crack a window on the same level to equalize pressures.