Soot and ash are almost all carbon... So it would make complete sense that this would work. I'm gonna try it!

[I know some cagey old hunters who lay their hunting clothes near a camp fire so that they get "smoked". They swear that it is the best cover scent you can use. It makes some sense.

I use to work for a local water company, and the most common water softner is a product called aquadean. Which is a odorless granule. As far as chlorine goes its odorless until it is contained. For example a plastic bottle of tap water, swimming pools, and water spickets that have backflow preventers that are seldom used,etc.... Oh almost forgot chlorine in tap water is supplemented in a gas form, a leaking chlorine cyclinder is odorless so you have to use a spray bottle of amonia totest for leaks. The amonia will start smoking if leak is indicated.