It can be overwhelming to deal with smoke in your home, especially when the smell lingers long after the fire is out. Whether it’s from cooking, fire damage, or cigarette smoke, getting rid of that unwanted odor isn’t as simple as just airing out the space. In this guide, we’ll show you how to get smoke smell out of your house using practical, effective methods that provide long-lasting results.
Do air purifiers really work?
Do you realize that the effectiveness of air purifiers is sky rocketing? Recent research indicates contemporary air purifiers can clear away smoke particles, even the stubborn smell that can hang onto upholstery and clothing. Did you know… 70% of homeowners have difficulty eliminating smoke odors in their homes? Here we have the steps:
Step By Step Guide: How to get smoke out of house
Smoke smells are some of the most stubborn odours you can have hanging around long after the source is gone. Whether it’s due to a recent kitchen mishap, tobacco smoke, or the remnants of a fire cut short, that smell can seem almost impossible to get rid of. The good news is, most of what you bring home can be de-smoked and started out fresh again. Together, these practices help to eliminate not only the smoke particles themselves but also the odours that end up sticking to your fabrics, walls and furniture.
Step 1: Open Windows and Increase Ventilation
What you need to do first is to let fresh air into the house. Open every window and door to allow smoke to escape. It’s the surest and fastest way to minimize smoke indoors, but it’s also just a start.
Pro Tip: If it’s nice out and you don’t want the smoke lingering, turn on some fans to help push it outside. Position fans by windows to create airflow that pushes the smoke out.
Step 2: Use an Air Purifier to Remove Smoke Particles
Air purifiers with a HEPA filter and activated carbon, in particular, are designed to capture airborne particles and eliminate odors, so they’re often top of mind when it comes to smoke removal. Seek air purifiers that are specifically rated for clearing the air of smoke, as they address those tiny particles that can continue to hang in the air in your home long after the smoke smell is gone.
Before: You may have seen that simply opening windows doesn’t cut it.
After: With a powerful air purifier in place, you will notice and be able to compare the smoke particles and lingering odors that you detect.
Tools: Invest in an air purifier sized for your room. For a larger space, look for one with a higher CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate).
Step 3: Clean Fabrics and Surfaces
Smoke’s residue will stick to just about everything, especially clothing. If you’re looking to eliminate the smell, you’re going to have to wash and clean everything it has come into contact with.
Clothing: Launder clothes, curtains and linens in a deep-cleaning detergent and vinegar to eliminate odors.
Furniture: Smoke can penetrate upholstered furniture, so vacuum the upholstery and then clean it with a mild solution of a fabric-safe cleaner. You can steam-clean, if heavier odors persist.
Hard Surfaces: On hard surfaces, use a water and white vinegar solution or a special odor removing cleaner. This can help keep the smoke particles that collect on surfaces like walls and counters from settling there in the first place.
Step 4: Absorb the Smoke Smell with Baking Soda
Baking soda is an unsung household hero that can do the job when it comes to absorbing odors, such as smoke. Sprinkle it on carpets, furniture — you can even sprinkle it in the air, if you leave the container open — and let it sit overnight.
Before: The air in your house may still seem to be heavy with smoke.
After: Baking soda will help counteract the smell and make your room feel fresher. Be sure to vacuum up the baking soda the next day.
Pro Tip: Place opened boxes of baking soda in closets and cabinets to soak up residual odors.
Step 5: Use Activated Charcoal for Odor Removal
Activated charcoal is an amazing product for getting rid of smoke smell. It does so by taking the bad particles in the air, such as smoke.
Put activated charcoal bags around your home, especially in the areas with the strongest smell. They are ideal to slide into corners and places out of the way that can be hard to reach with air purifiers and other methods.
Conclusion
Cleaning smoke out of your house can be a time consuming hassle. Follow the proper steps — ventilate, air purifiers, clean and use odor absorbers — and you’ll have your house smelling fresh again, in no time. Note that you will always need to apply these in layers to get the full value of looking lovely.
Green Water & Fire is here- If you need help restoring your home from smoke damage.
FAQ’s:
A1: Open all windows for ventilation, employ an air purifier with a HEPA filter, clean surfaces and fabrics, and sprinkle activated charcoal around the house in order to absorb the odor.
A2: They do! Air purifiers with activated carbon filters are good at reducing smoke odors because they’re designed to absorb and remove particles from the air.
A3: It may take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on how bad the smoke exposure is and how the smell is being removed.
A4: Follow the lead for removing any other kind of smoke: Ventilat your home, clean and attack order on fabrics, use air purifiers, absorb odors as you can with activated charcoal and baking soda.
