Fire is considered to be the most dangerous natural disaster that can happen in a home. But what is even more troublesome are its detrimental consequences; potential water damage, soot pollution, smoke damage, etc. The danger of fire continues even after it has been extinguished because of its byproducts that can cause damage to your property, and one of the most common aftermaths of fire is its prevalent smoke odor. Learning how to remove smoke odor after a fire is crucial to restoring a safe and habitable environment, and it requires specialized techniques and equipment to effectively eliminate the lingering smell and ensure the well-being of the occupants.
When smoke permeates porous materials like carpet and furniture, the odor that it leaves behind can linger for a long time and can compromise the indoor air quality of a home and result in health issues for the occupants. Knowing its danger, it is important to take quick actions to remove smoke odor effectively and efficiently.
How To Remove Smoke Odor After A Fire
Getting rid of the smoke odor after a fire requires a lot of effort. Some factors like how big the fire was, how long the materials got exposed to smoke, and what products were involved can have an impact on how severe the damage is. But that does not mean you can’t do anything to remove smoke odor on your own. There are a few practices that can help to decrease the level of smoke odor in your property.
Below are steps to remove smoke odor after a fire.
Step 1: Air Out Your Property
Open doors and windows to allow fresh air to enter your home. Set up fans near windows and doors so they will pull clean air to get into your home and have proper air circulation. Ventilating your home after a fire helps reduce smoke odor at the same time dry out areas that have been wet during the extinguishing process.
Step 2: Use Positive Pressure Ventilation
If the first step is not applicable to the level of smoke odor in your home, blow out your home using positive pressure. It is more effective than opening windows and doors or using exhaust fans.
Positive pressure is when the air pressure is greater than that of the environment that surrounds it, which causes the air inside to leave its premises.
- At the front door of your home, set up the largest fan you can have and face it inwards.
- Close all windows and doors, leaving only one window open as an exhaust, and turn on the fan at its highest speed. Remove screens for better airflow.
- Blow out the room for 15 minutes.
- When done, close all the doors and windows to that area and move to another room.
- Repeat the process until all affected areas have been aired out.
Step 3: Remove Fire-Damaged Items
Remove fire-damaged items from the premises to help get rid of the odor faster. This means removing all items that have been damaged by fire, such as furniture, carpets, insulation, cabinets, drywall, and others. Depending on the severity of the damage, an item may be cleaned or discarded.
Curtains and other window treatments on the window should be removed. You can either wash them or have them dry-cleaned. Alternatively, hang them outside to air them out. Other fabric materials like pillows, clothes, towels, and blankets should also be removed as smoke can stick to fabrics.
Step 4: Deep Clean Your Property
For you to completely remove the smoke odor, it is necessary to clean every affected area of your home. Here are the steps to ensure that your home is thoroughly cleaned.
- Cleaning Solid Surfaces
Some solid surfaces that you may need to clean are baseboards, tables, chairs, shelves, cabinets, window sills, and tile or wood floors. Wash them thoroughly using a solution made of water, detergent, and white vinegar. Rinse these surfaces with clean water and wipe them down. Soot particles may have been left on walls and ceilings. Clean them as well with the solution and allow them to dry.
- Cleaning Carpets and Upholstery
Smoke particles can deeply penetrate into the fabric of your carpet and upholstery. To eliminate the smoke smell, sprinkle some amount of baking soda on the affected area, and let it sit for several hours or overnight for better results. Then, use a high-efficiency vacuum machine to remove the baking soda and other debris.
You can also clean your carpet and upholstery with steam cleaning. You just need to be cautious when using steam cleaning for silk materials. Because they can get damaged.
- Cleaning Windows
Smoke gathers in windows and creates a recurring smell even after the cleanup process. Wash them with dish soap and rinse them with clean water. Pay attention to frames and window panes as smoke can stick to these locations.
- Cleaning The HVAC System
Smoke particles can seep into your property’s ductwork and contaminate your HVAC system. This can lead to poor indoor air quality, thus it is necessary to change all the filters, including furnace filters. It is also best to have your HVAC system inspected to ensure that the air quality of your home is safe.
Step 5: Repaint Your Walls
If the paint on your walls is holding the smoke odor, then you have to repaint the walls to remove the odor.
First, you have to wash them with a cleaning product that has ammonia or glycol. These products are effective in neutralizing odor. Rinse them well and allow them to dry. After that, apply a paint primer that seals bad odors and finish the job with latex paint.
Professional Smoke Removal Services
Removing the smoke odor after a fire is often complex and requires specialized equipment. Thus, it is best left to professionals. Experienced professionals have the skills and equipment to efficiently and safely remove smoke odor from your property. These restoration professionals will ensure that your home is smelling smoke-free and fresh again.
For smoke odor removal services, contact Superior Restoration. We also offer water damage restoration and fire damage restoration services.
