How to Get Smoke Smell Out of Your House

1. Identify the Source of the Smoke Smell

Before you can effectively remove the smoke smell from your house, you need to identify the source of the smoke. This could be anything from a recent fire to smoking cigarettes indoors or even cooking certain foods. Once you know the source, you can take steps to eliminate it and prevent the smell from returning.

If the smoke smell is coming from a recent fire, it’s important to contact a professional restoration company to assess the damage and begin the cleanup process. For cigarette smoke, you may need to establish new smoking rules, such as smoking outside only or quitting altogether. If it’s cooking odors that are causing the problem, you can try to minimize the amount of time you cook with certain ingredients or use a kitchen fan to vent the air outside.

By identifying the source of the smoke smell and taking steps to eliminate it, you can make your home a more pleasant and comfortable place to be.

2. Open Up the Windows and Doors

One of the easiest ways to get rid of smoke smell in your house is to open up the windows and doors. This allows fresh air to circulate through your home and can help to eliminate the smoke smell. If possible, keep the windows and doors open for a few hours each day to allow for maximum ventilation.

If the weather outside is not suitable for leaving windows and doors open, you can use a fan to create a cross breeze that will help to circulate the air. Place the fan in front of an open window, facing outward, and turn it on high. This will help to push the stale air out of your home and bring in fresh air from outside.

Opening up your windows and doors is a simple and effective way to get rid of smoke smell in your home. Plus, it’s completely free and doesn’t require any special equipment or expertise.

3. Deep Clean the Affected Areas

If the smoke smell persists even after airing out your home, it’s time to start deep cleaning the affected areas. This means thoroughly cleaning all surfaces, fabrics, and furniture that have been exposed to smoke.

Start by wiping down hard surfaces with a mixture of warm water and white vinegar. This will help to neutralize the smoke odor and remove any soot or residue. For soft fabrics, such as curtains or upholstery, use a steam cleaner or wash them in the washing machine with a fabric deodorizer.

Don’t forget to clean your HVAC system as well. Smoke particles can get trapped in your air ducts, which can cause the smoke smell to linger. Hire a professional to clean your ducts and replace your air filters to ensure that your HVAC system is not circulating smoke-filled air throughout your home.

Deep cleaning the affected areas can be time-consuming, but it’s an essential step in getting rid of smoke smell in your home. By eliminating the source of the odor and cleaning all affected surfaces, you can make your home smell fresh and clean again.

4. Use Odor Absorbing Materials

In addition to deep cleaning, using odor-absorbing materials can help to eliminate smoke smell in your home. These materials work by absorbing and neutralizing odors, rather than just masking them.

One effective material is activated charcoal. Place small bowls of activated charcoal around your home to help absorb smoke odors. Baking soda is another popular option. Sprinkle it on carpets, furniture, and other surfaces, let it sit for several hours, and then vacuum it up.

Another effective option is using air purifiers with HEPA filters. These filters can trap smoke particles and remove them from the air, helping to eliminate the smoke smell in your home.

Using odor-absorbing materials is a simple and effective way to get rid of smoke smell in your home. They are affordable, easy to use, and can provide long-lasting results.

5. Seek Professional Help if Needed

If you’ve tried all of the above steps and still can’t get rid of the smoke smell in your home, it’s time to seek professional help. Professional cleaners have specialized equipment and expertise to effectively eliminate smoke odors.

Look for a professional restoration company that specializes in smoke damage restoration. They will be able to assess the extent of the damage and create a customized plan for removing the smoke smell from your home. They may use ozone generators, which are designed to neutralize smoke odors, or other specialized equipment to clean and deodorize your home.

While hiring a professional may be more expensive than DIY methods, it can save you time and frustration in the long run. Plus, professional cleaners have access to industrial-strength cleaners and equipment that are more effective than what you can buy at your local store.

In summary, if you can’t get rid of the smoke smell in your home on your own, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A restoration company can help you get your home smelling fresh and clean again.