When you own a house, you are responsible for taking care of it. That means addressing various types of damage to ensure the home is livable. Smoke damage is one of the most irritating issues a homeowner can face. The visible damage itself is an eyesore, but the nasty smell is also tough to get rid of.
Let’s discuss the complex nature of smoke damage in a home and how to address it so that your house smells clean again.
Types of Smoke Damage
Different types of smoke create distinct residues and odors in your home. The smell varies depending on the source material—wood, plastic, and electrical fires—and each produces unique smoke particles. Similarly, cigarette smoke residue leaves its characteristic stains and odor.
Health Effects of Smoke Exposure
An unpleasant smoke smell is not the only consequence of smoke damage in the home. It can also adversely affect your health. Poor indoor air quality from smoke makes breathing difficult and can lead to various health issues. While secondhand smoke dangers are well-known, thirdhand smoke – the residual particles left in indoor spaces – poses a similar health risk.
Prolonged exposure to smoke odors can cause lung issues, asthma attacks, cardiovascular disease, chest pain, and irregular heartbeat.
Initial Steps to Take
Whether you are trying to get rid of a cigarette smoke odor or a nasty discoloration on the wall, the surfaces in your home will require thorough cleaning to restore the fresh air and overall air quality of the house. Here are the initial steps for stain and odor removal.
Ventilate the House
Air circulation is key when dealing with stubborn odor-causing molecules. The best way to start the odor removal process is to open the house’s windows and doors. This step will help remove the lingering smoke particles in the air and allow your space to air dry faster once you start cleaning the surfaces.
Clean Surfaces and Belongings
To eliminate the smoke smell, the hard surfaces in the affected area must be cleaned, including walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture. Smoke molecules can penetrate materials even when no visible stains exist, particularly in upholstered furniture and carpets.
Use appropriate cleaning solutions to remove soot and residue, or hire a professional carpet cleaning company for thorough results.
Launder or Dry-Clean Fabrics
Anything made from fabric should be put into the washing machine. Curtains, bedding, and clothing can absorb odors if they are not properly washed. You may even need to invest in a specialized detergent to eliminate the smoke smell from these fabrics during the wash cycle. If some items cannot be washed, have them dry-cleaned instead.
Tackling Lingering Smoke Odors
Once the initial cleaning is complete, some acidic smoke particles may remain, causing a lingering odor. Here are some additional steps to tackle stubborn smells after the deep clean.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is a very effective odor-removal material. It is porous and absorbent, pulling odor particles out of the air. Activated charcoal comes in various forms, including bags, filters, and tubs.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is an effective agent for eliminating odors on softer surfaces, such as upholstery or carpets. You can use it as a solution with hot water or sprinkle dry baking soda on the affected area. It will neutralize almost any cigarette smell or other stubborn odor.
Vinegar
White vinegar has many deodorizing properties, making it the perfect substance for eliminating smoky smells. Distilled white vinegar is best for cleaning, but you can also use apple cider vinegar to deodorize an area.
To clean smoke residue from hard surfaces and materials, mix one cup of white vinegar with warm water. Place bowls of vinegar around affected rooms to absorb lingering smoke smells.
Ozone Generators
Ozone generators are machines that specialize in removing smoke odors and particles from the air. They require power, so ensure you use them properly and follow all precautions to avoid potential hazards. For a cheaper solution, you can also invest in an air purifier.
Professional Smoke Remediation
If you follow all these steps and still can’t get rid of those smells, it may be time to call a professional cleaning service or restoration contractor. These companies specialize in cleaning homes and removing stubborn odors.
When to Call Professionals
In many cases, homeowners can completely clean and eliminate odors from their properties with the steps listed above. However, if the property experiences severe smoke damage, the only solution may be to call the professionals.
Professional Cleaning and Deodorizing Techniques
Restoration companies and cleaning services have the equipment and expertise that most property owners need. They use methods like thermal fogging to address tough odors. Although hydroxyl generators are not usually affordable to the general public, restoration companies frequently employ them.
Restoration and Repair Services
Addressing smoke damage is one of many tasks a restoration contractor can accomplish. They can also tackle projects such as structural repairs, painting, and content cleaning to address all the concerns caused by the fire.
Preventing Future Smoke Damage
Cleaning up smoke damage can be a real pain, so the best solution is to avoid it entirely. Here are some tips to help prevent smoke damage from affecting your home.
Smoke Detectors and Fire Safety
Fire safety should be a top priority for every homeowner. Install working smoke detectors in your home so you are alerted as quickly as possible to address the fire or call emergency services to prevent extensive damage.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Proper home maintenance helps protect your property and can minimize smoke damage if a fire occurs. Regular cleaning, timely repairs, and replacing HVAC air filters and air ducts are essential preventive measures.
Reach out to a Smoke Remediation Company
When the odor molecules are too deeply embedded for air fresheners or vinegar to remove, consider professional help from PacWest Restoration. Our team has the specialized equipment and expertise to eliminate stubborn smoke stains and smells from your home, whether the damage is minor or extensive.
Call us today at 503-746-6545 or complete the online form to learn more about our services.
