A house fire can leave behind not only physical damage but also the persistent smell of smoke and soot. These odours can seep into drywall, wood, carpets, and textiles, potentially aggravating health issues and making living spaces uncomfortable. While professional smoke remediation may be necessary for severe cases, there are several steps you can take yourself to reduce smoke odours and restore your indoor air quality.
Immediate Steps to Reduce Smoke Smell
- Step 1: Ensure the Fire is Completely Out. Make sure the fire is fully extinguished before beginning any cleanup or ventilation.
- Step 2: Ventilate Safely. Once safe, open windows and doors to let in fresh air. Use fans to help move smoky air outdoors.
- Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company. Notify your insurer promptly to start the claims process.
- Step 4: Assess the Damage. Carefully evaluate the extent of the smoke damage to determine whether you should attempt the cleanup yourself or require professional smoke odour cleaning services.
Cleaning and Deodourizing After a Fire
Everything in your home that has been affected by fire smoke needs to be cleaned to eliminate the smell and prevent further damage. The following recommendations for removing the smell of fire smoke are organized by material type:
Fabrics (Clothing, Bedding, Curtains, etc.)
- Wash Washable Items. Use a high-quality detergent and an odour-removing laundry booster.
- Dry Clean Delicates. Take delicate fabrics to a professional dry cleaner, mentioning smoke damage.
- Oily Soot Precautions. Avoid washing oily soot-stained fabrics in your machine; have them professionally cleaned instead.
- Store Clean Items Separately. Keep cleaned fabrics away from affected areas to avoid re-contamination.
Hard Surfaces (Walls, Ceilings, Woodwork)
- Clean with Mild Detergent. Wipe down hard surfaces—walls, doors, cabinets, and drawers—using mild soap and water.
- Act Quickly. Soot is acidic and can corrode or discolour surfaces fast. Remove it promptly.
Carpets and Upholstery
- Vacuum Thoroughly. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and a brush attachment for gentle vacuuming. Avoid upright vacuums on soft surfaces.
- Spot Clean. Use specialized smoke-odour removers for small areas, testing first on inconspicuous spots.
- Professional Cleaning. Consider hiring professionals for severe smoke damage or if household methods don’t work.
- Protect Carpets. When cleaning furniture, use barriers to prevent cleaning solutions from staining carpets.
Hidden Areas (Drawers, Closets, Light Fixtures, Appliances)
- Empty and Clean Thoroughly. Wipe down drawers, closets, cabinets, and leave open to air out.
- Light Fixtures and Appliances. Wash removable fixture covers, clean bulbs, and wipe behind appliances.
- Under Furniture. Move furniture to vacuum and clean underneath.
Odour Neutralization Tips
- Baking Soda. Place bowls of baking soda around the house or sprinkle on carpets before vacuuming.
- Activated Charcoal. Use charcoal bags or filters to absorb smoke odours.
- Vinegar. Set bowls of white vinegar throughout rooms or simmer gently to help neutralize odours.
- Air Purifiers. Run air purifiers with HEPA and activated carbon filters to clean the air.
Factors That Affect Smoke Odour Removal
- Type of Soot. Dry soot is easier to clean, while oily soot needs special techniques and equipment.
- Materials Burned. Different burned materials produce various odours, requiring different cleaning methods.
- Size of the Fire and Damaged Area. Larger fires and affected areas may need more extensive cleaning.
- Time Since the Fire. Prompt remediation is crucial; delays allow smoke and soot to penetrate deeper and worsen damage.
Prevent Further Damage
For severe smoke odours and damage, professional restoration services are recommended. Experts use specialized equipment and methods to safely and thoroughly remove smoke smells and restore indoor air quality. Acting quickly can help prevent further deterioration and costly repairs.