Smoke ranks as one of the hardest odors to remove. SERVPRO® can help get rid of the smell.

Removing fire smoke odor isn’t easy. After a fire, big or small, the smell can stick around for a while—and the longer it sits, the longer it can set into your furniture and belongings. The good news? Your house doesn’t have to smell like a bad campfire forever. Our experts have compiled all the best information on removing smoke smells for good.

How to Get Rid of Fire Smoke Smell

Before beginning any odor removal or cleanup, it is important to take several safety precautions immediately. There may be unseen hazards in the rubble that, if disrupted, could cause injury or reignite a flame. After the affected area is confirmed safe, you can finally start the cleanup.

Right After the Fire

In the event of an emergency, your safety is the first priority. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends following these steps after the fire is contained:

Confirm the area is safe with professionals: do not reenter any space until firefighters have given you clear instructions to do so. Entering any earlier may pose a threat to your safety.
Contact your insurance agent: your insurance policy may cover any or all cleanup or restoration fees. Coordinate with an agent to confirm what resources are available to you.
Take care of your loved ones (including pets): a fire of any size can be a traumatic experience for those we love. Make sure any subsequent injuries are addressed, and those affected have space to process their experience. 
Organize finances and documentation: as you begin this process, ensure you have access to all your personal records, finance information, and documents. The more organized you are, the easier the experience will be.

Once you’ve got everything ready to go, you can begin the odor-removal process.

Calling the Professionals

In many cases, smoke smells don’t go away with a candle or wipedown with cleaner. That’s why we typically recommend asking the experts for help. At SERVPRO^®, our team of professionals knows how to get rid of fire smoke smells in the house and will begin with an initial inspection of your space. Based on their findings, our professionals will start SERVPRO^®’s process of:

Removing soot from walls, ceilings, and hard surfaces.

Cleaning soot from softer surfaces like furniture fabric or carpet.
Deodorizing the fire-damaged home.
Using ozone or hydroxyl machines as needed.

In many cases, smoke smells don’t go away with a candle or wipedown with cleaner. That’s why we typically recommend asking the experts for help. At SERVPRO^®, our team of professionalsknow how to get rid of fire smoke smellsin the house and will begin with an initial inspection of your space. Based on their findings, our professionals will start SERVPRO^®’s process of:

Removing soot from walls, ceilings, and hard surfaces.

Cleaning soot from softer surfaces like furniture fabric or carpet.
Deodorizing the fire-damaged home.
Using ozone or hydroxyl machines as needed.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. To thoroughly remove the odor and repair the damage in this process, SERVPRO^® professionals use a series of chemicals and agents:

Masking agents: high-quality air freshening tools to mask odors during deodorization.
Pairing agents: chemicals that combine with odor particles when wiped, spread, or sprayed onto a surface. This reaction then causes the odor particles to break down and be more easily removed.
Filtration agents: adsorption and absorption agents that separate smoke particles from the air.
Disinfectants and sanitizers: chemicals that remove bacteria build-up when applied to hard surfaces.

Enzyme digesters: agents that break down protein-based odors like carbon dioxide and water-based products.
Air purification: electronic filters used to kill airborne smoke particles.
Oxidization: generators that produce gas to destroy odors in the air.

You can count on your SERVPRO^®professional to walk you through their process step-by-step, so you understand what’s happening in your home. You can contact your local SERVPRO^® location to learn more.

At Home Removal Tips

Suppose there’s only minimal damage from a fire in the home. In that case, you may be able to address the odors with everyday cleaning products. The team at RealSimple recommends the following:

Maintain ventilation to the outside.
Place distilled vinegar in bowls around the room to capture odors.

Wash all affected accessories (like pillows or clothes immediately).
Sprinkle dry baking soda in affected areas to absorb the smell.

If you don’t notice results or realize the damage may be more significant than you realized, don’t hesitate to call for professional help. SERVPRO^®professionals know how to get rid of fire smoke smell and how to avoid agitating smoke damage, causing more long-term problems.

Why Smoke Removal Matters

Removing fire smoke odor isn’t just about removing a nasty stench and protecting your belongings. Smoke odors can cause health effects.If you want to protect your health and home, removing fire smoke odor should be at the top of your list.

How to Get Rid of Fire Smoke Smell Today

Need help with fire smoke odor removal right away? No worries—SERVPRO^® is here to help. With a quick phone call and in-person inspection, SERVPRO^® professionals can help you assess the situation and come up with thebest solution for your home and get you back to living comfortably in your space. Call the SERVPRO^® Customer Care Center at 1-800-SERVPRO, or visit servpro.com, to contact your local SERVPRO^® today.

Sources:

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa_46.pdf

https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/how-to-get-smoke-smell-out-of-house