How to Get the Smoke Smell Out of a House
Last updated August 12, 2024
The unmistakable smell of smoke can be a persistent issue, whether it's from a recent fire or accumulated cigarette smoke. These odors can permeate every nook and cranny of a house, creating an unpleasant and potentially harmful atmosphere.
This guide covers how to get smoke smells out of a house and explains the different methods for managing fire smoke and cigarette smoke.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Duration:
Over 1 day
Table of Contents
Understanding Smoke Smells and Safety Precautions
How to Deep Clean for Smoke Smell
How to Get Rid of Fire Smoke Smell
How to Get Rid of Cigarette Smoke Smell
More Tools. More Products. More Perks.
Understanding Smoke Smells and Safety Precautions
The most common types of smoke are cigarette smoke and smoke from a house fire. When someone smokes tobacco products indoors or has a house catch fire, the resulting smoke can travel throughout the property and leave a persistent odor. Smoke particles are tiny and can easily penetrate porous surfaces such as walls, furniture, carpets and HVAC systems.
Fire smoke produces a pungent, acrid odor that is challenging to remove, while cigarette smoke leaves a stale and lingering smell that tends to adhere to surfaces over time.
Before beginning any smoke odor removal process, it is important to prioritize safety. Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows and using fans to circulate fresh air. Additionally, wear protective gear to avoid exposure to potentially harmful particles and chemicals during the cleaning process. Protective gear for smoke smell cleaning includes:
Pro Tip: Some areas of a home or building may have not been burned during a house fire. Make sure these areas are sealed off from the burned areas and ventilate them as much as possible to prevent the smoke smell from spreading or accumulating.
How to Deep Clean for Smoke Smell
Professional cleaners employ specialized techniques and equipment to effectively remove smoke smell from a house. Their expertise allows them to tackle even the most stubborn smoke odors. The following is a list of what professional cleaners typically do when getting rid of smoke smells:
- Initial assessment
- Ventilation and safety measures
- Surface cleaning
- HVAC system cleaning
- Carpet and upholstery treatment
- Ozone treatment
- Air purification
- Follow-up inspections
Begin by conducting a thorough assessment of the property to evaluate the extent of the smoke damage. Then identify the source of the odor, assess affected areas and determine the best course of action.
Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows, using fans or setting up industrial-grade air movers. This helps remove airborne smoke particles and improve air circulation.
Surface cleaning includes walls, ceilings, floors and countertops. Use specialized cleaning agents designed to neutralize and absorb odors and remove soot residue. The cleaning process may involve scrubbing, wiping or pressure washing, depending on the severity of the smoke damage.
Smoke particles often infiltrate HVAC systems in homes, which can create a persistent odor that will continually circulate throughout the house. Check the system’s grates and air filters, clean them thoroughly, and replace any that are damaged or too dirty to be restored.
Once the outer parts of an HVAC system are clean, use a shop vacuum to clean the vents as deeply as possible. Remove grates and air filters and push the vacuum’s hose as deep into the vent as possible while vacuuming.
Carpets, rugs and upholstered furniture absorb odors and require specialized treatment. Apply odor-neutralizing agents or deodorizers to eliminate lingering smells. There are many common techniques for cleaning porous furniture and decorations, which include:
- Steam cleaning delicate furniture or rugs that may be damaged by other methods.
- Hot water extraction of rugs and carpets deeply coated in soot.
- Dry cleaning water sensitive materials that may become damaged if exposed to moisture.
In severe cases where smoke odor remains pervasive,
ozone treatment may be necessary. Ozone generators release ozone molecules that break down smoke particles and neutralize odors. This process requires the property to be vacated temporarily due to the potential health risks associated with ozone exposure.
To ensure a clean and fresh indoor environment, you may choose to employ high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration systems or air purifiers. These devices help capture and eliminate residual smoke particles, allergens and other contaminants, further improving air quality.
After completing the smoke odor removal process, conduct follow-up inspections to identify any remaining odors or areas that require further attention.
Pro Tip: During follow-up inspections, run the HVAC system and check each room to see if you still smell smoke. This will reveal whether smoke residue remains in the vents.
How to Get Rid of Fire Smoke Smell
Fire smoke odor tends to be more intense and pervasive than cigarette smoke due to the combustion of
house materials such as wood, wiring and paint. The smoke particles are typically larger and can penetrate deep into surfaces in the home, making it challenging to eliminate the odor completely. Consider more aggressive cleaning solutions and odor-neutralizing agents to tackle the strong fire smoke smell.
Focus on removing any remaining soot, ash and charred residues from hard surfaces after fire damage restoration has been conducted. Dry cleaning methods, such as vacuuming with HEPA filters and dry wiping, are commonly used to remove loose particles.
Increase ventilation by opening windows and doors, and use fans or air purifiers to facilitate airflow. This helps remove airborne smoke particles and freshens the indoor environment. Consider using an ozone generator or specialized deodorizing agents to neutralize the smoke odor molecules, helping to eliminate the persistent smell more effectively.
How to Get Rid of Cigarette Smoke Smell
In the case of cigarette smoke, focus on surface cleaning, odor absorption and neutralization. You may want to use materials that absorb odors such as activated charcoal strategically placed throughout the house to absorb and eliminate the lingering smoke odor.
Similar to fire smoke, cigarette smoke can permeate the HVAC system, requiring thorough cleaning and maintenance. Inspect ductwork for nicotine residue and perform deep cleaning on vents and registers to eliminate trapped smoke particles.
While cigarette smoke odor is typically less intense compared to fire smoke, it can accumulate over time and adhere to hard surfaces, creating a persistent and stubborn smell. The smaller smoke particles in cigarette smoke can also infiltrate porous materials and linger for a longer period. Eliminating cigarette smoke smell often involves targeted treatments for specific affected rooms and items like indoor porches, upholstery and carpets.
Wipe down all surfaces with a mixture of warm water and mild detergent to remove nicotine residue. Pay special attention to corners, walls, ceilings and windows, which tend to accumulate a high concentration of smoke particles.
Deep clean carpets and upholstery using steam cleaning or professional services. Alternatively, sprinkle baking soda on carpets, leave overnight, and vacuum thoroughly the next day to remove embedded odors.
More Tools. More Products. More Perks.
Be more competitive and boost your bottom line with Pro Xtra, The Home Depot’s free loyalty program built for Pros. Sign up today to access the enhanced Pro Online Experience, built with the online business tools and time-saving features Pros need.
Earn rewards, like Pro Xtra Dollars or a Tool Rental Perk just for shopping at The Home Depot. Plus, get surprise Bonus Perks simply for being a Pro Xtra member.
