How to Get Smoke Smell Out of House After Fire
If your house has recently been affected by a fire, you may be looking for effective ways to remove smoke odor from your home. Unfortunately, the smell of smoke can linger for weeks or months and is incredibly difficult to get rid of. Fortunately, there are solutions available and several tips and tricks that can help you restore your home to its former glory.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how to get smoke smell out of house after fire, including everything from DIY methods to partnering with restoration experts. Read on to learn more about reclaiming the freshness in your once-smoke-filled home!
Does Smoke Smell Go Away after Fire?
The answer to this question depends on the severity of the fire, how quickly it was extinguished, and other factors. Generally, if the fire was minor and put out quickly with minimal damage to surrounding items or structures, the smoke smell may dissipate within a few days or weeks.
On the other hand, if the fire was large and took longer to extinguish, it may take months for the smoke smell to completely go away. Additionally, if there is significant damage from water used in firefighting efforts, then mold can begin to grow and make matters worse.
To get rid of smoke smells after a fire, it’s important to clean up any charred debris as soon as possible. This will help lessen any strong odors that may linger. It is also a good idea to remove all smoke-damaged items from home, such as furnishings, clothing, and linens.
If any carpets or upholstery were damaged by fire and smoke, it’s best to have them professionally cleaned or replaced entirely. Additionally, opening windows or using dehumidifiers to improve air circulation will help reduce odors over time.
There are several products on the market designed to eliminate odors in your home after a fire. Odor-neutralizing sprays can be used on walls and other surfaces that have been affected by smoke damage.
Charcoal-based odor-absorbing bags may also help absorb some of the smell. Hiring a professional cleaning company may be the best way to ensure that odors are completely eliminated; they have the experience and equipment necessary to properly clean and deodorize your home.
In conclusion, it is possible for smoke smells to go away after a fire, but the timeline depends on several factors. The best thing you can do is start the cleanup process as soon as possible and use deodorizing products to help eliminate odors.
10 Methods How to Get Smoke Smell Out of House After Fire
1. Open All the Doors and Windows
The first step is to ventilate the house by opening all of the doors and windows. This will help to get rid of the smoky smell and allow fresh air to circulate. It is also important to turn off the air conditioning and heating systems to prevent the recirculation of smoky air.
If possible, you should leave the house open for several hours to allow fresh air to pass through. To further increase air circulation, you can turn on fans and use dehumidifiers to help draw out the smoke.
2. Wash All of the Walls and Ceilings
Once the house is ventilated, you will need to wash all of the walls and ceilings with a mild soap or detergent. This will help to remove any soot that may be clinging to these surfaces. You may need to use a scrub brush or sponge to remove any stubborn residue. For tough spots, you may want to invest in a commercial cleaner designed to remove smoke and fire residue.
Once the walls and ceilings are clean, you may want to repaint them in order to completely restore your home. To help you choose the right paint, consult a professional. They will be able to recommend a product that is up to the task of removing smoke odors.
3. Clean All of the Floors
After you have washed the walls and ceilings, you will need to clean all of the floors. You can do this by sweeping, vacuuming, or mopping with a mild soap or detergent. Make sure to get into all of the corners and seams. If there is any water damage, then you may need to replace the flooring or have a professional come in to clean and dry the flooded area.
This will help prevent further damage or mold growth. Once again, you may need to use an ozone generator to help fully get rid of the smoke smell. If you have carpets, make sure to shampoo them or have them professionally cleaned. This will help to pull any smoke and soot particles out of the carpet fibers.
4. Shampoo All of the Carpets and Upholstered Furniture
If your house has carpets or upholstered furniture, you will need to shampoo them in order to remove the smoke smell. You can either do this yourself or hire a professional carpet cleaner. If you choose to do this yourself, start by vacuuming the carpets and using a heavy-duty stain remover.
Once done, use a carpet shampooer to deep clean the carpets. Use an upholstery cleaner on any furniture that has been affected by smoke.
5. Clean All of the Window Treatments
Window treatments are another common source of the smoke odor. You will need to wash them in a mild soap or detergent in order to remove the smell. If you are able to take them down and put them in the washing machine, that is the best option. However, if they need to remain up, you may be able to use a steam cleaner with an upholstery attachment.
Be sure to use the appropriate cleaning solution for your window treatments when doing this. Once they are clean, air dries them or use a fan to aid in the drying process. This should help with getting the smoke smell out of your house.
6. Clean All of the Light Fixtures
Light fixtures are another common source of the smoke odor. You can clean them with a mild soap or detergent and then rinse them with clean water. Make sure to dry them thoroughly before you reinstall them. In addition, if the light fixtures have any plastic covers or lenses, you should replace them, as the smoke has likely ruined them.
If you have ceiling fans in the house, make sure to clean them as well. After cleaning, turn on the fans and open some windows to help air out the room. This will help to disperse any lingering smoke odor.
7. Wash All of the Dishes and Cookware
Dishes and cookware that have been exposed to smoke should be washed in a mild soap or detergent before being used again. Use hot water and scrub the dishes with a soft brush or sponge. Rinse the dishes and cookware thoroughly before setting them out to dry.
Make sure that the dishes are completely dry before they are put away. Although the smell will not disappear completely, it should be greatly reduced.
8. Clean Out the Refrigerator and Freezer
If your refrigerator or freezer has been exposed to smoke, you will need to clean it out with a mild soap or detergent before using it again.
Start by unplugging the appliance and removing all food items, then wiping down the shelves, drawers and walls with a damp cloth. You may also want to use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery brush attachment to remove any remaining soot particles.
9. Invest in an Air Purifier
Finally, you may want to invest in an air purifier to help remove any lingering smoke odor from the air. Air purifiers use a filtration system to remove particles from the air, including smoke odor, as well as other pollutants like dust and pollen.
This is an especially good solution for those who are sensitive to smell or have respiratory illnesses, such as asthma. High-quality air purifiers can be expensive but can help make sure that your home is safe and odor-free.
10. Use Odor Neutralizers
In addition, you can use odor neutralizers and deodorizers to help get rid of any remaining smoke smell. Sprays such as Febreze, Lysol, and Oust can be used to help neutralize the odors in your house. You can also purchase plug-ins or candles with odor-neutralizing scents.
These products will help to eliminate any stubborn odors that may still remain after other cleaning methods have been completed. Be sure to use these products in well-ventilated areas and follow all directions on the product label for safe usage.
Things to Consider When Getting Smoke Smell Out of House after Fire
1. Ventilate Your Home
Open the windows and doors to let in the fresh air and begin the process of airing out any smoke odors.
2. Wash All Walls and Hard Surfaces
Using a mixture of detergent, water, and vinegar, scrub all hard surfaces, including walls and floors, to remove any residue from the smoke Left behind.
3. Clean Carpets and Upholstery
If carpets or upholstery have been affected by smoke, use a vacuum cleaner to remove any visible dirt and soot. Then use either a baking soda solution or an enzymatic cleaner to get rid of the odors.
4. Clean Clothing
Dry cleaning is recommended for clothing which has been exposed to smoke. However, if you choose to wash them at home instead, use a detergent with enzymatic action that will penetrate deep into fabrics and help eliminate stubborn odors permanently.
5. Use Air Purifiers
Air purifiers are designed to trap and filter out particles from the air including smoke smell. They come in various sizes and can be used both in smaller rooms as well as larger ones. Using an air purifier can help get rid of smoke odors quickly and effectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting the smoke smell out of your house after a fire can be a daunting task. With patience and determination, you can tackle the job yourself and ensure that your home is free of the smoke odor. If the task seems too large or you’d rather outsource it, it’s best to call in a professionally trained and certified remediation company.
We hope this guide on how to get smoke smell out of house after fire was helpful. Please share it with your friends on social media if you find it useful. And be sure to check back here soon for more informative guides like this one.
Angela Ervin
Angela is the executive editor of DIY quickly. She began her career as an interior designer before applying her strategic and creative passion to lifestyle and home. She has close to 15 years of experience in creative writing and online content strategy for housekeeping, home decorations as well as other niche efforts. She loves her job and has the privilege of working with an extraordinary team. She lives with her husband, two sons, and daughter in Petersburg. When she's not busy working she spent time with her family.
