Removing smoke odors after a fire may be difficult to do. The smell saturates to the walls, furniture, curtains-everything-from tiny bits of soot and smoke. It likes to live in air ducts, too. If the smell goes unattended, it isn’t merely annoying. It can adversely affect indoor air quality and lower the value of a fire-damaged house. If you’re struggling with how to get rid of fire smoke smell in house, don’t worry. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from DIY tips to professional solutions, so you can restore your space and even get it ready for sale after fire damage.
Ever Wonder Why That Smoke Smell Sticks Around?
When a fire occurs, burning substances release soot and smoke particles into the air. These particles are incredibly tiny, which allows them to penetrate porous materials like fabric, wood, and drywall. Even after cleaning visible soot, the particles trapped in hidden areas may continue to produce the smoky odor. Smoke doesn’t just affect the surface level; it seeps deep into your home’s structure.
The longer you wait to address the issue, the harder it’ll be to remove the smell. That’s why it’s crucial to act immediately and thoroughly!
Immediate Steps to Remove Fire Smoke Smell
1. Air out your place
Start by opening windows and doors to allow fresh air in. Put fans in doorways to push smoke out. In this way, noxious fumes will be moved off before you successfully go deeper in cleaning.
2. Get rid of soot first
Soot particles, which produce that smell of smoke, need to be removed from surfaces. For furniture and carpets, use a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter. The vacuuming should take place without any scrubbing: to prevent the soot from being pushed in further.
3. Check the HVAC system
There may be smoky air trapped in your HVAC system. Replace all air filters and hire a professionals to inspect and clean the ducts. This is essential for long-term removal of odors from the home, especially if you are considering selling your home.
Effective Ways to Eliminate Fire Smoke Odors
Beyond the first steps, you’ll need a careful plan to get rid of the smell completely. Here’s how to go about it in each room:
Clean fabrics and curtains
Wash all fabrics that you can, like curtains, bedding, and clothes. Use a good detergent and add something to help neutralize odors. For delicate or badly damaged things, take them to a dry cleaner—especially if they have soot stains. For carpets and big rugs, sprinkle a lot of baking soda. Let it sit for 24 hours to soak up the smell, then vacuum.
Deodorize hard surfaces
Hard surfaces like walls, ceilings, and floors can trap the smell of smoke more than you think. Clean hard surfaces as thoroughly as possible with warm water, dish soap, and vinegar. With such chemical composition, vinegar acts as natural deodorization and destroys smoky particles. The baseboards, behind appliances, and out-of-sight areas such as inside cabinets and drawers need special attention. Odor can also be trapped by light fixtures, which is why they need not be left out either.
Use odor absorbers
Activated charcoal, white vinegar, and bowls filled with baking soda can soak up odors really well. Place these strategically around the house, such as in rooms, living quarters, and near any air vents. For maximum effect, change these every few days during your routine cleaning.
Take care of wood furniture
Wood furniture hit by smoke needs special care. Clean with soap and water, but don’t use too much liquid. To avoid stains, lay down protective sheets when wiping down surfaces.
If the fire caused significant structural or cosmetic damage, you may be debating whether to repair the house or sell it as-is. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- If fixing the smoke smell and fire damage is feasible and won’t cost more than the potential resale value increase, it’s worth restoring the home.
- For houses with severe damage or lingering odors that feel unmanageable, real estate investors specializing in fire-damaged properties can offer a fair price without requiring you to make repairs.
When marketing the house, highlight any restoration efforts, such as professional odor removal or updated electrical systems, and address how to get rid of fire smoke smell in house effectively. This transparency builds trust with potential buyers.
The post Easy Methods for How to Get Rid of Fire Smoke Smell in House appeared first on We Buy Fire Damaged Houses.