A house fire is one of the worst tragedies a family can face. If the home survives, there is likely to be irreversible damage to household items, personal belongings, and structural materials. One of the most common complaints following a fire is that the home still smells like smoke long after the flames have been extinguished. If you’re wondering how to get rid of the smoke smell from a fire, stick around to learn more.
How to Get Rid of Fire Damage Smoke Smell
Air it Out
When it comes to removing odors, fresh air is one of the best things to use. It’s really easy to start with airing out your home. Once it is safe to return to your home after the fire, opening up all of the doors and windows will allow maximum airflow throughout the house. This can also help prevent mold from developing. For added air movement, you can set fans up near windows and doors to further remove the soot and smoke odor.
Deep Cleaning Your Home
While a scented candle can help cover some smells, it is not how to remove smoke smell from fire damage. Deep cleaning of anything that was affected by the smoke is the only way to get rid of the odor.
Fabric
Any blankets, curtains, area rugs, towels, and other fabric items should be washed thoroughly. Many things you can wash, while some you may need to have dry cleaned. Keep in mind that some fabrics hold onto smells more than others, so it may take several washes for the odor to disappear. You can add a cup of distilled white vinegar to the wash to help remove stubborn odors.
Carpeting and Upholstery
Whether from a house fire or cigarettes, smoke odor clings to carpeting and upholstery if they aren’t cleaned properly. Soot and smoke particles can get stuck deep within the fibers of the carpeting and upholstery, but these surfaces can be cleaned. Sprinkle baking soda over the upholstery and carpeting and let it sit for several hours, up to a full day. Vacuum with a HEPA filter, as this type of filter won’t allow the smoke particles to go back into the room. You can also steam clean many services as well.
Solid Surfaces
Solid surfaces are easy to clean up. You can mix warm water, dish soap, and distilled white vinegar and use them as a cleaning solution. You simply use a sponge to wipe down all areas that may have had soot settle on them.
HVAC System
The most crucial step in removing smoke odor is making sure your HVAC isn’t going to keep the smell around. Soot residue and smoke odor can infiltrate your HVAC system, so you should start by replacing your air conditioning filters as soon as possible. From there, it’s not a bad idea to have a professional duct cleaning company come out and clean your system.
Paint the Walls
One of the best ways to contain the smoke smells after a fire is by giving your walls a fresh coat of paint. After cleaning your walls, you should use an odor-sealing primer, followed by the latex paint of your choice.
When You Should Call In a Professional
If you’ve tried to get rid of the smell following a house fire and have noticed that the odor is still lingering around, it may be time to get professional help. At Sensitive Environmental, we have the tools and experience to get your home clean and smelling great again. Reach out today to find out more!