How to Get the Smoke Smell Out of Your House

If you’ve had a house fire, you know how much work it takes to restore your home and life. After the fire damage is repaired and your belongings are replaced, how do you get the smoke smell out? 

Smoke odors can cause irritation and lead to headaches or nausea, and microscopic smoke particles cling to walls, floors, furniture, clothing, books, and nearly any other surface. Learn how to get the smoke smell out of your house for good.

Key Takeaways

• Smoke particles settle on surfaces, causing the smoke odor to linger for weeks or months.
• While DIY methods can be effective after small fires, the best way to remove smoke is with professional assistance.
• Smoke odors contain harmful compounds, which means your home isn’t safe to occupy until it’s clean.

Why Smoke Smell Is So Hard to Remove After a Fire

Smoke contains hundreds of chemicals and particles that settle on any nearby surface as it dissipates. These particles penetrate deep into the pores of almost any object, particularly softer surfaces like fabrics, carpet, or furniture. Besides being unpleasant, smoke odors can also be hazardous to your health over time, which is why it’s vital to contact a smoke and odor removal service. 

What Homeowners Should Do Immediately After a Fire

To avoid further damage and health risks after a fire, there are a few key steps homeowners need to take immediately. Here’s what to do after a house fire:

• Step one: Get the medical treatment you need if you sustained any injuries, inhaled smoke, or were otherwise harmed during the fire.

• Step two: Start the claims process with your insurance company and inform them of the incident, including the extent of the damage and the cause of the fire.

• Step three: Arrange temporary housing, as living in the home before it’s restored puts your health at risk due to exposure to smoke, toxic fumes, and hazardous soot.

• Step four: Document the damage for your insurance. Note what items were destroyed (and see if any damaged items can be salvaged). 

• Step five: Contact a professional restoration team for help with smoke damage and smell removal.

How to Get Smoke Smell Out of a House?

Removing smoke odor from your home requires more than opening a window. Professionals know how to remove smoke smells from a house permanently using specialized equipment and techniques that speed up the process and prevent lingering odors. Still, if you’re tackling some of the cleanup yourself, there are a few essential tasks that make a real difference.

Start by ventilating the space. Open all windows and doors to allow smoke to escape. Turn on all available fans, including kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans, and place box fans in windows facing outward to create cross-ventilation that pushes contaminated air outside.

So, how do you get rid of a fire smell in the house once the air is moving? The answer lies in thorough, targeted cleaning—especially on the materials that trap odor the longest. 

Cleaning soft materials

Smoke odor clings to soft, porous materials, which is why carpets, upholstery, and fabrics require thorough cleaning. Begin by vacuuming every soft surface, including carpets, rugs, curtains, floors, and mattresses. For furniture, remove cushions and vacuum underneath and around the frame, where smoke particles and soot tend to settle.

If you find soot or dusty residue, sweep and mop nearby floors to prevent odors from being redistributed. Deodorizing sprays can help refresh fabric items like upholstery and window treatments, but avoid products that simply mask odors. Those don’t remove the smoke particles that cause the smell.

Cleaning hard surfaces

Hard surfaces also collect smoke residue, even when it’s not visible. Wash walls and other solid surfaces with a mild soap, and always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific materials and finishes. Go beyond what you can see by cleaning the inside of closets, cabinets, and drawers, since smoke can easily seep into enclosed spaces.

Dust and wash household items, no matter how small. Even decorative pieces and stored belongings can retain smoky residue and continue to release odor into the air.

When It’s Not Safe to DIY Smoke Smell Removal

If a serious house fire caused the smoke damage, DIY restoration is not a safe option. A restoration professional will have the necessary tools and expertise on how to get rid of the fire-smoke smell in the house and can deodorize your space quickly and permanently, including on walls and ceilings.

How Long Does It Take to Remove the Fire Smoke Smell?

Professional smoke and fire odor removal typically takes 2 to 7 days, depending on the severity. DIY removal, on the other hand, can take weeks or even months, so it’s always worth working with experts to restore your space and ensure it’s safe to live in again.

Breathe Easy at Home with Restorerz

If you’ve been through a house fire, you deserve prompt, professional support to make your home safe to inhabit again. The team at Restorerz is available around the clock to help, offering comprehensive smoke, soot, and odor removal to protect your health and your property. If you’re ready to get this issue resolved for good, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do air purifiers remove the smell of fire smoke?

Air purifiers with a true HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter can remove smoke odors from fires. If your purifier doesn’t have these filters, it won’t be effective at deodorizing the space.

Is smoke odor a sign of hidden fire damage?

If you smell smoke, it could indicate hidden fire damage in your walls, floors, or ceilings, most often caused by electrical issues. Have a pro inspect your home to locate the source of the smell.

Does homeowners’ insurance cover smoke odor removal?

When a house fire causes smoke odor removal, many insurance policies cover it. Restorerz works with insurance companies to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.

Can smoke smell spread through HVAC systems?

Yes, smoke smell can spread through HVAC systems, whether they’re turned on or off. This can spread the odor throughout the home, so we recommend having the HVAC system and ducts professionally cleaned.