To get smoke smell out of a house after a fire, you have to remove the soot that holds the odor, not cover it up. That means cleaning every affected surface, cleaning the HVAC system, removing materials that can’t be cleaned, and then treating what’s left with professional deodorizing methods like thermal fogging or ozone. Air fresheners and open windows only mask it.
Why does smoke smell linger?
Smoke is made of tiny particles. They travel through the air and the HVAC system into rooms the fire never touched. They settle on walls and ceilings and soak into porous materials like drywall, insulation, carpet, upholstery, clothing and wood. As long as that residue is there, the smell keeps coming back, especially on warm or humid days.
Can I clean smoke damage myself?
For very light smoke from a small, contained kitchen flare-up, cleaning hard surfaces and washing fabrics may be enough. For anything bigger, DIY cleaning often makes it worse. Wiping soot with the wrong product can smear it deeper into paint and porous surfaces. Professionals first identify the type of residue, then choose the cleaning method to match.
How do professionals remove smoke odor?
- Remove the source. Charred materials, burned insulation and items that can’t be saved come out first.
- Clean soot from every surface. Methods include HEPA vacuuming and dry chemical sponges for delicate surfaces, then wet cleaning where it’s safe.
- Clean the HVAC system. Otherwise the system keeps blowing smoke particles through the house.
- Clean or pack out contents. Clothing, furniture, electronics and keepsakes are cleaned or sent out for specialized cleaning.
- Deodorize. Thermal fogging or ozone treatment reaches odor in places cleaning can’t. Ozone treatment should only be done with people and pets out of the home.
- Seal and rebuild. Some surfaces get sealed before repainting so lingering odor can’t come through.
Does insurance cover smoke damage?
Smoke damage from a covered fire is commonly part of a homeowners fire claim, including cleaning, repairs and sometimes temporary housing. Coverage depends on your policy, so call your agent and document everything before you clean.
A Thanksgiving safety note
The NFPA reports Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home cooking fires. Stay in the kitchen while anything is on the stove, keep a lid nearby to smother a grease fire, and keep towels and packaging away from burners. If a fire gets out of control, get out and call 911.
How Aaron Builders removes smoke damage
Aaron Builders provides fire damage restoration in Novi, Farmington Hills and across Southeast Michigan, and has since 1979. We answer 24/7 and arrive within one hour to board up and secure the home. Our team identifies the type of smoke residue, cleans every affected surface, cleans the HVAC system, and uses thermal fogging and ozone treatment to remove odor. We inventory, pack out, clean and store your belongings, then rebuild under a 5-year workmanship warranty. We also handle the insurance paperwork and work with your adjuster. Call (248) 957-9660.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does smoke smell last?
Without professional cleaning, it can last for months or come back in warm weather. When the soot is fully removed and the odor treated at the source, it usually does not come back.
Will painting cover smoke smell?
Not by itself. Painting over soot can trap the odor. Surfaces need to be cleaned and often sealed before painting.
Can smoke-damaged clothes be saved?
Often, yes. Many fabrics can be professionally cleaned. Act quickly, because soot residue can set the longer it sits.