Dealing with the aftermath of smoke in your home can be daunting. Whether the culprit is a kitchen mishap, habitual indoor smoking, or the aftereffects of a nearby wildfire, the pervasive smell of smoke can linger long after the initial incident.
Not only is this odor unpleasant, but it can also pose health risks and impact your property's value. Fortunately, there are effective strategies to eliminate smoke smell from your home, ensuring a fresher, healthier living environment.
WHAT’S THE SOURCE OF THE SMOKE SMELL?
Smoke particles are minuscule, allowing them to penetrate various surfaces within your home, making the smell difficult to remove. Acting swiftly is crucial, as the longer smoke residues remain, the more challenging they become to remove.
IMMEDIATE ACTIONS TO TAKE AFTER SMOKE EXPOSURE
Ventilation is your first line of defense. Open windows and use fans to circulate fresh air throughout your home. Air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters can also help filter out smoke particles from the air.
Consider hiring professional cleaning services to thoroughly clean and deodorize your home after a fire or when there has been significant smoke exposure.
5 DIY SOLUTIONS FOR REMOVING SMOKE SMELL
1. Hard Surfaces
For hard surfaces such as countertops, tables, and kitchen appliances, create a cleaning solution by mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water. Use a solution containing a small amount of ammonia diluted in water for more stubborn residues.
Apply the solution using a spray bottle and wipe with a clean cloth. When using ammonia-based cleaners, always ensure the room is well-ventilated.
2. Fabrics, Curtains & Upholstery
Textiles can absorb smoke odors quickly and may require special attention. To neutralize odors, machine-washable items should be laundered using a mixture of laundry detergent and a cup of vinegar or baking soda.
For non-washable fabrics, curtains, and upholstery, consider steam cleaning or hiring professional cleaning services that specialize in smoke odor removal. These services use advanced techniques and solutions that deeply penetrate fabrics to eliminate odors at their source.
3. Carpets & Rugs
Baking soda is an excellent deodorizer for carpets and rugs. Liberally sprinkle baking soda over the affected areas and let it sit overnight to absorb as much odor as possible before vacuuming thoroughly.
Steam cleaning may be necessary for persistent smoke smells or soot contamination. This method uses hot water extraction to deep clean fibers, removing odors and particulates more effectively than vacuuming alone.
Professional carpet cleaning services can provide this service, ensuring that your carpets and rugs are thoroughly deodorized and sanitized.
4. Walls & Ceilings
Smoke particles can cling to walls and ceilings, making them challenging to clean. Start with a gentle approach: wash surfaces with a solution of mild detergent and warm water.
A stronger solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) mixed according to the manufacturer's instructions can be used for tougher smoke residues. TSP is highly effective in breaking down grease and smoke residues but requires careful handling and protective gear.
If odors persist, applying a coat of odor-blocking primer followed by repainting can seal off any remaining odors, giving your rooms a fresh start.
5. Air Quality
Replacing HVAC filters is critical in restoring indoor air quality after exposure to smoke. Choose high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters capable of capturing fine smoke particles. Additionally, deploying natural deodorizers like bowls of vinegar, baking soda, or activated charcoal around your home can help absorb residual odors.
For ongoing air quality management, consider investing in an air purifier with a HEPA filter designed to continuously remove smoke particles and other pollutants from your indoor environment, ensuring cleaner, healthier air for you and your family.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES TO AVOID FUTURE SMOKE SMELL
Adopt comprehensive preventive strategies to safeguard your home against the intrusion of unwanted smoke odors in the future. Establishing strict outdoor smoking policies ensures that the majority of smoke particles are kept outside, drastically reducing the likelihood of indoor smoke accumulation.
Equally important is the commitment to regular cleaning and maintenance routines. Frequent vacuuming, dusting, and washing of fabrics help remove potential smoke particles before they settle into surfaces, while periodic deep cleaning of upholstery, carpets, and air ducts can further diminish the chances of residual smoke odor.
Implementing these measures contributes to a fresher living environment and protects the health and well-being of your home's occupants.
While removing the smoke smell from a house may seem overwhelming, combining immediate actions, DIY solutions, and preventive measures can yield successful results. Addressing smoke odors promptly is important to protect your health, comfort, and property value. With patience and the right approach, your home can be free of smoke smell.
And if you need help finding the best homeowners insurance coverage for the best price, speak to a SimplyIOA agent at 833.872.4467 or get a homeowners insurance quote online now.
