How to get rid of the smell of smoke in a house

DIY Methods to Remove a Smoke Smell:

Here are 3 DIY Methods to remove a smoke smell from your home or business:

1. Ventilate the House

One of the simplest and most effective ways to start tackling smoke smell is to ventilate your home:

• Open Windows and Doors: Allowing fresh air to circulate is the first step to expelling the smoke particles. Try to create cross-ventilation by opening windows and doors on opposite sides of your home.
• Use Fans: Placing fans in windows can help draw fresh air in while pushing smoke-laden air out.

Additionally, you can use air purifiers. According to a study assessing the effectiveness of air purifiers, these devices can help to significantly reduce the presence of smoke particles in the air.

2. Clean Surfaces Thoroughly

Smoke particles can penetrate various surfaces in your home, so a deep clean is crucial.

• Walls and Ceilings: Over time, smoke can stain and cling to walls and ceilings. To remove these particles, use a mixture of water and white vinegar or mild detergent. Wipe down all surfaces, focusing on areas near the ceiling where smoke tends to rise and settle.
• Floors and Carpets: Carpets are particularly good at trapping smoke odours. Steam cleaning carpets and rugs is an effective method to remove smoke smell that is deeply embedded in fibres. For hardwood or tile floors, mopping with a vinegar solution can help neutralise any remaining odours.

We recommend deep cleaning all surfaces after a fire to avoid health risks associated with soot and smoke residue.

3. Wash Fabrics and Upholstery

Soft materials like curtains, cushions, and beddings are known to absorb and retain smoke smells. It’s essential to:

• Machine Wash Fabrics: Wash all removable fabrics with a cup of white vinegar to neutralise the smell. Bicarbonate of soda can also be added to the wash for additional odour removal.
• Steam Clean Upholstery: For larger items that cannot be machine washed, like sofa’s and mattresses, you can use a steam cleaner to lift out smoke particles.

If fabrics are heavily affected and washing doesn't help, consider replacing the items. Or, consider hiring smoke odour removal professionals to complete this job for you.

Professional Solutions for Stubborn Smoke Odours:

In some cases, home remedies simply may not be enough to fully remove deep-seated smoke odours, especially after large fires. For these situations, professional services may be necessary.

For fast and effective peace of mind in removing smoke odours from your property; CPL t/a Rainbow Restoration are accredited and qualified engineers who can quickly and effectively remove the smell of smoke from your building.

We have 20 years of experience in Fire Damage Restoration Services and the removal of fire odours.

We are available 24/7, 365 days a year to tackle any concerns you may have. You can contact us on freephone: 0800 030 4360 or complete our contact form here.