How Do I Remove Smoke Odor?
To remove the odor of smoke, ventilate the home as much as possible. This includes opening windows and doors and strategically placing large fans to circulate the air. Baking soda can also be very effective at removing smoke odors. Place several small bowls filled with baking soda around the room for 24 hours, allowing them to absorb the odors. You can sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda onto rugs and carpeting.
Instead of Masking the Odor, Remove It
Too many homeowners stuck with the lingering smell of smoke after a fire will try to banish the odor with deodorizing sprays. However, this is only masking the smell and not addressing the underlying problem. Baking soda can do wonders removing the smell over time and neutralizing the air. Another effective, and non-toxic, solution is white vinegar. Similar to the baking soda solution, fill several small bowls with white vinegar and place them throughout the room overnight. To speed up the process, boil vinegar on the stove and let it simmer for one to two hours. Don’t worry that the home will smell like vinegar after, as the smell with dissipate after it dries.
Launder Items to Address Smoke Smell
Items such as drapes, curtains, rugs and fabric furniture are notorious for retaining the smell of smoke. You can clean some of these items yourself through a cycle in the washing machine. Add your regular laundry detergent, combined with half a cup of white vinegar, to effectively remove any underlying odors.
For flooring and upholstery, a steam cleaning can go a long way to removing the smoke odor that has been left behind. You can do this yourself, renting a steamer from a home improvement center, or hire a professional to clean the floors and furniture.
By addressing the underlying smoke odor, you can ensure that it will be removed for good, eliminating any unpleasant reminders of a fire in your home.
Soil-Away has experience helping homeowners and businesses to remove these difficult smoke odors after a fire. Contact Soil-Away at 603-641-6555.
