Kerosene heater smell usually comes from old or wrong fuel, a dirty or badly set wick, or a dirty tank. Use fresh 1-K kerosene, keep the wick and tank clean, and expect only a slight smell at start-up and shut-down.
Every owner of a kerosene heater came across a weird smell and odor at least once.
It isn’t unusual, and you don’t have to be scared or frustrated about it – I’ve been through it many times already.
Kerosene heaters start producing odor when the fuel does not burn cleanly. That usually comes down to the fuel, the wick or a dirty tank, and the tips below cover each one.
Now, let’s talk about how to obliterate any foul smell.
How To Stop Kerosene Heater From Smelling (9 WORKING TIPS)
1. Use fresh kerosene
Like many other things, kerosene starts smelling after being stored for a long time – especially if not done correctly.
You might have heard “money-saving” tips to save old kerosene. While it can still burn, I don’t recommend it because it will produce an irritating smell.
In my opinion, you should always use new and fresh kerosene.
Do not burn kerosene left over from last season. One heater manual says never to use kerosene stored from one season to the next, because kerosene deteriorates and old kerosene will not burn properly.
Suggested: Take a look at how to use a kerosene heater indoors safely.
2. Change the wick level
If the wick is turned too low, you’ll notice a kerosene smell because it isn’t being burned correctly.
Set the wick height the way your user manual says. The right setting depends on the heater, so do not copy a number from another model.
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3. Burn outdoors
After storing your kerosene heater over the summer, it collected a lot of dust and dirt.
A heater can smell the first time you light it after storage or purchase. One manual says this comes from oils left over from manufacturing and suggests burning the heater outside on a calm day first. Stay with it while it burns, and never leave a kerosene heater unattended.
In this way, you burn all the dust and dirt that produces the smell.
4. Use only K-1
If you’re unfamiliar with kerosene, there are two grades: 1-K and 2-K.
1-K is the grade made for kerosene heaters, with a maximum of 0.04% sulfur. 2-K is allowed up to 0.30% sulfur, which is why it can smell worse in a heater. Heater makers say to use only 1-K.
1-K kerosene is also the purest and smells different from the other grades.
Kerosene heaters are usually compared to propane heaters.
5. Stabilize the burner
Sometimes, when the burner isn’t stabilized, it can produce a lot of smoke followed by a weird smell.
You should always check if your burner is in line with everything else, and you have to make sure it isn’t easily moveable.
6. Clean the oil tank monthly
When your heater isn’t cleaned for a while, it will produce a smell no matter what kerosene you use.
Even if you always use fresh kerosene, it will still smell because the fuel tank wasn’t cleaned.
Empty out the old fuel and clean any dirt out of the tank the way your manual says. Do not leave water in the tank: kerosene contaminated with even a small amount of water stops a heater from working properly.
7. Replace the wick
Over time, the heater’s wick can become “old,” and you might need to clean or completely replace it.
Trimming the wick is also helpful and can be enough to remove debris and dust. However, it would be best to consider buying an utterly new wick.
8. Adjust the exhaust cover
When your venting cover is missing, it won’t let your kerosene heater operate correctly.
Check that every part of the top of the heater is fitted and seated the way the manual shows. A missing or loose part can upset how the heater burns, and that can cause smoke and smell.
Not only that, but it will decide whether your heater produces an unusual scent.
Make sure every cover and guard is in place before you light the heater.
9. Buy a new kerosene heater
Sometimes, when your kerosene heater is ancient (or just poor quality), any trick you try won’t be effective in the long run.
It might be time to look for a new kerosene heater with all the features you need, made from a high-quality material that won’t start producing weird smells soon.
If you’re interested in the best kerosene heater on the market, you should look at the Sengoku Kerosene Heater.
Why Does My Kerosene Heater Smell?
Kerosene requires oxygen to be burnt because it’s higher carbon petroleum.
A kerosene heater smells when some of the fuel does not burn completely. Bad or old fuel, a dirty or badly set wick and a dirty burner are the usual causes.
A slight smell when you light the heater or shut it off is normal. One manual says the smell should be very slight after 5 to 10 minutes of running.
A strong or lasting smell, or any smoke, means something is wrong. Turn the heater off, let it cool, and check the fuel and the wick first.
You won’t ever feel a kerosene heater smelling in an open space, but you might start noticing odors in a closed room (such as your home). Use only 1-K kerosene, refuel outdoors with the heater cool, and never leave a kerosene heater unattended while it burns.
If you’re not a fan of your kerosene heater, we recommend looking at the most energy-efficient space heaters.
Type your kerosene price and see what its heat costs next to propane, gas and electric in your state.
Content writer from Croatia. Dominic studies Information Science at the University of Sarajevo, which helps him research and organize his work.
