Often, the most difficult task in any fire restoration is removing smoke smell. Even when items appear clean, odor may persist or return. Cleaning to ensure that odor doesn’t come back later is essential. Following these simple steps will ensure the odor is gone for good:
Remove everything that has a visible char or any other items that have fire damage.
Clean everything thoroughly. Content, smokey clothes, furniture, walls, floors, cabinets, appliances and anything else that was affected by smoke or soot. The cleaning must be very detailed. We even use Q-Tips for the little things. Any hidden nook or cranny may harbor smoke odor.
It’s best to use a wet deodorization solution specifically formulated for smoke odors when possible. But be sure to mix according to the dilution instructions on the bottle. More is not good in this situation. Using the solution improperly can damage fabrics and materials.
Always have a second person with you to double check for odor on all surfaces and items that have been cleaned and deodorized. If odor is still present, it needs to go through the process a second time. If, after the second time, the odor is still present the item should be considered non restorable.
Cardboard and papers that were exposed to soot or smoke need special care. Paper and cardboard are very absorbent and will hold onto odors. Use a dry cleaning sponge to remove soot and odor. Additionally, an ozone treatment can be used to remove odors.
Always clean in a warm environment. Warm, humid environments release odors that may be undetectable in cold weather.
Always perform a final walk through of the structure before returning content. Check for any odors. As you unpack content and furnishings, always do a final check of them as well. Even a tiny area of soot left behind can cause the odor to re-contaminate the structure or the contents that have been cleaned.
Although removing smoke smell is time consuming, a thorough cleaning can restore your home and possessions to an odor free condition.
Northern Arizona Restoration has been helping home owners and businesses deal with smoke damage and fire damage for over two decades. Our expert team is more than happy to answer any questions you might have.
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