Removing Smoke Odor from Your Home After a Fire

After the fire has been put out you will likely be battling smoke odor which can linger for quite some time.  It is important that you address this, taking necessary steps to remove the smoke smell from the home.  This will allow you to put the fire and property damage fully behind you, allowing your family closure from the ordeal.

Replace or Launder Items that Hold the Odor of Smoke

Even if areas of the home were unaffected by the fire it isn’t unusual for these to also hold the odor of smoke, as it can easily seep through the entire house.  Some items in the home are more susceptible to retaining smoke odor.  These include drapes or curtains, blankets, clothing, carpets, area rugs, and fabric furniture.  Those items that can be laundered should be washed as soon as possible.  Depending on the severity, this can be as simple as running items through your own washing machine, or sending them out to be professionally cleaned. Soil-Away is an Esporta Certified Operator and an expert textile restoration company.

Carpet and fabric covered furniture can also easily retain the smell of smoke after a fire.  Having these items professionally cleaned can go a long way to eliminating this odor.  Let the carpet and upholstery cleaner know ahead of time that there was a fire in the home so that they can bring the tools and cleaning supplies that will offer the best chance of removing the odor.

Ventilate and Thoroughly Clean the Home

The smell of smoke can permeate every area of the home, from the flooring and furniture to the walls.  To remove this smell after a fire, ventilate the home as much as possible, leaving doors and windows open to circulate fresh air and remove the stale smell of smoke.  Strategically placed fans near windows or doorways can also facilitate the air movements, further speeding up the process.

Scrubbing countertops, cabinets, and appliances with a solution of baking soda and warm water can help to not only clean away any residue, but also to eliminate smoke odors.  You can use a mixture of household ammonia and water to wash down walls, tile or linoleum floors.

Using air fresheners, candles or other scented sprays can only mask the smoke odor.  Instead place bowls filled with vinegar throughout the home.  Charcoal or unused coffee grounds can also help to absorb odors.

After a fire, the smoke odor removal process may be too daunting for a DIY task. A wise step to reversing the damage is to hire a restoration team that can effectively get the job done.  The experts at Soil-Away can restore your home to its pre-fire condition, helping to eliminate any residual smoke odors.  Contact Soil-Away at 603-641-6555.