Eliminating Smoke Smell After a Fire: A Guide

With the recent wildfires in Los Angeles still smoldering, researchers from the University of Colorado are sending out warnings about how toxic that lingering fire smoke smell is to residents in surviving houses.

Their studies, recently concluded on the aftermath of the 2022 Marshall fire in Boulder County, Colorado, showed that toxic compounds including benzene, toluene and naphthalene from burned homes entered surviving homes causing headaches, weird tastes in the mouth and other health problems for months after the fire was extinguished. That’s because wildfire smoke doesn’t just contain plant ash, but also plastics and VOCs from cars, carpets, paint and other construction materials.

Some of these smells can be removed with DIY tenacity, while others require professional cleaning.

“The trick to beating fire smoke odor is persistence,” says Nishant Prasad, COO of Clean Fanatics. “It’s not just about cleaning, it’s about cleaning smart. By addressing every surface, crevice and air pocket, you can take your home back from the clutches of smoke, leaving it as fresh as ever.”

If you live in scent-range of a recent wildfire or structure fire, here’s how to get rid of that fire smoke smell in the house. And if you’ve recently had a house fire, here’s what to do in the aftermath.

How To Get Fire Smoke Smell Out of House

DIY Box-Fan Filter

If smoke and ash is still actively entering your home, you can immediately reduce harmful particle levels by taping a furnace air filter to a box fan. This is only a short-term solution, but will buy you a little time to get your cleaning done. Make sure to change the filter often as it gets clogged with ash and other residues.

Air It Out

Start by opening windows and doors. “Fresh air is your friend, and fans can help circulate it, pushing out the smoky funk,” says Ryan Knoll, owner of Tidy Casa.

You can also neutralize odors with bowls of white vinegar placed around the room for a day or two, says Knoll. “Vinegar doesn’t just mask odors, it neutralizes them at the molecular level,” he says.

For extra freshness, simmer a pot of water with lemon slices and cinnamon sticks, says Prasad, but avoid using air fresheners. “They only mask the odor temporarily and can mix unpleasantly with the smoky scent,” he says.

PPE Up

Smoke and soot residue aggravate breathing problems and be cancerous, since they contain PM2.5 and PM10 (PM standing for particulate matter). It’s vital to wear work gloves and an N-95 mask, or even a respirator, especially if you have lung sensitivities.

“For walls you absolutely need proper PPE,” says Rinea Blanchard, founder of Superior Contract Cleaning. “I can’t stress this enough. We’ve seen too many DIYers get sick from handling soot without protection.”

Also, if you have ash particles, wet them down before trying to clean them up, to prevent them from spreading in the air, which will increase safety risks.

Try DIY First

If all you have is a light odor, cleaning with baking soda and vinegar might do the trick. Baking soda traps odor particles, while vinegar chemically breaks down the compounds causing the smell, says Knoll. “Together, they’re like a dynamic duo for tackling smoke at its source,” he says.

For soft surfaces, like carpets and upholstered furniture, sprinkle baking soda liberally over them, let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then vacuum them thoroughly. For walls and other less-porous surfaces, mix a 1:3 solution of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray, then wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.

The American Red Cross also recommends trying tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) to reduce odors in fabrics. However, as this is a caustic chemical, follow the safety instructions closely.

Then Call a Pro

DIY treatments can help with surface odors, but they don’t break down smoke molecules, so often the best solution is to call a pro. Pros use stronger chemicals, like TSP (trisodium phosphate), which must be followed up with a heavy oil-based primer like KILZ, says Blanchard.

“One big mistake people make is just painting over smoke damage without proper cleaning and priming,” she says. Also, “Never start with just water; it’ll smear the soot and make it worse. Dry-clean first with chemical sponges.”

Replace HVAC Filters and Clean Ducts

Replace HVAC filters immediately, as the smoke particles in them will continue to circulate odors throughout your home. Kelly Russum, owner of KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning, recommends filters with a MERV rating of at least 13, which include a built-in activated carbon layer, or installing a separate carbon filter in your home. It’s vital to also get the ducts professionally cleaned.

“This is non-negotiable,” says Blanchard. “The amount of contamination we find in ductwork after fires is shocking. Air scrubbers with activated carbon filters are also essential. We use these in pretty much every smoke damage job.”

Turn the Thermostat On

Once you’ve replaced the filters and cleaned the ducts, switch your thermostat to the “fan on” setting and let it run for 48 hours to keep air moving through the system. This will help the filters catch lingering smoke particles.

“Just make sure you’ve replaced the filter first,” says Russum. “If you don’t, the fan will just recirculate the smell and particles, making things worse instead of better.”

Use an Air Purifier

In rooms with smoke odors, use a portable air purifier with True HEPA or H13 HEPA, says Russum. Pair it with a thick activated carbon filter of three pounds of activated carbon, designed specifically for odor absorption. Air purifiers should have a high CADR of at least 120+ for smoke. The higher the CADR, the faster the purifier can clean the air in a given space.

For whole-home smoke odor removal, install a whole-home filtration system with a MERV 17 filter and a thick activated carbon layer of two pounds minimum to absorb odors, says Russum. Expect to spend $500 to $1,500, plus around $500 for installation.

Carpets and Rugs

“Carpets act like sponges for smoke, so you’ve got to go deep,” says Prasad. Start by vacuuming with a HEPA filter vacuum to pull out loose particles. Next, sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda over the surface and let it sit overnight. This helps absorb the odor molecules embedded in the fibers. The next day, vacuum again.

For stubborn smells, rent a carpet cleaner with an odor-neutralizing (enzymatic) solution and hot water extraction. If the smoke penetrated deeply, you’ll also need to replace the carpet padding underneath.

• Pro-tip: Test cleaning solutions on an inconspicuous area first since smoke damage can make dyes more prone to bleeding. And, if you still smell smoke, it might be time to call the pros. “Through our restoration work, I’ve found that DIY solutions rarely get deep enough into the fibers,” says Blanchard.

Walls and Ceilings

“Smoke particles stick to walls like glue, and scrubbing them off isn’t optional,” says Prasad.

Try a solution of warm water, vinegar and a small splash of dish soap. Start at the top and work your way down in sections. Use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to avoid damaging paint finishes. “And don’t forget the ceiling; it’s the first place smoke settles,” says Prasad.

The American Red Cross also recommends using a mild soap or detergent or mixing 4 to 6 tablespoons of tri-sodium phosphate and 1 cup of household cleaner or chlorine bleach with every gallon of warm water. Wear rubber gloves, rinse surfaces with warm water, dry thoroughly and reduce mildew by wiping with one cup of bleach per gallon of water.

If wiping them down doesn’t work, you may need to repaint using an odor-blocking primer. Knoll recommends shellac-based primers.

Clothes and Fabrics

If it’s just a light smoke smell, washing clothes in hot water with detergent and a half to a full cup of vinegar may do the trick. Afterward, hang everything outside in the sun to dry, since UV light helps break down smoke residues. Avoid using scented detergents to mask the smell, says Prasad. “They don’t eliminate it and can actually make the mix of smoke and perfume worse,” he says.

The American Red Cross also suggests trying 4 to 6 tablespoons of tri-sodium phosphate and one cup of household cleaner or chlorine bleach for every gallon of warm water or cold water with detergent and one tablespoon of vanilla extract.

Prasad suggests sealing items that can’t be washed in a bag with activated charcoal or baking soda for a few days. For curtains, use a handheld steamer and follow up with a fabric-safe odor-eliminator spray. If washing doesn’t work, you’ll need to have them dry-cleaned or treated with a specialized ozone treatment.

Upholstered Furniture

Vacuum all surfaces thoroughly, including under the cushions. First, try the baking soda DIY trick or a fabric-safe cleaner, letting it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it up. Otherwise, it’s time to hire a professional who can use ozone treatments and professional-grade cleaners.

• Pro-Tip: Slip in activated charcoal sachets under cushions or within the furniture to absorb odors over time, says Prasad. Also, avoid over-saturating fabrics with cleaners or water since excess moisture can lead to mold, especially in smoke-damaged upholstery.

Windows and Glass

Smoke will leave a sticky film on glass and mirrors, which can usually be cleaned with a mixture of water, vinegar and a few drops of dish soap. Also remove the window screens and wash them with soap and water. “Make sure to clean window frames and tracks too,” says Prasad. “They’re hotspots for odor retention.”

Decor and Books

“Knick-knacks, books and decor might seem small, but they can hold onto smoke odor like nothing else,” says Prasad. For books and papers, he recommends sprinkling baking soda in a sealed box with the items and letting them sit for several days. For electronics, gently clean external surfaces, but don’t ignore the interiors.

“Smoke can damage circuitry, so professional cleaning might be worth it for valuable items,” he says. “Also, don’t throw out items out too quickly. Many can be salvaged with patience and the right methods.”

FAQ

Why does smoke smell stick for so long?

Smoke particles are microscopic and sticky, since they’re oil-based, so they embed themselves deep into surfaces, creating a molecular bond. Heat from fire can also open up the pores in materials even more, making it easier for that lingering fire smoke smell to penetrate.

“In fabrics, the particles work their way into the fibers, almost like they’re hitching a ride,” says Knoll. “In walls, the porous paint or drywall acts like a sponge, soaking up the smoke particles.”

Will these methods work on cigarette smoke?

Yes. But cigarette smoke is actually harder to remove because it’s built up over time. “It requires more intensive treatment, especially in the prime stage,” says Blanchard.

About the Experts

• Rinea Blanchard is founder and CEO of Superior Contract Cleaning in Lafayette, Louisiana, and has more than 25 years of experience in restoration and cleaning.
• Nishant Prasad is a cleaning professional and COO of Clean Fanatics, which he co-founded in 2011, and which serves the Bengaluru, India, area.
• Ryan Knoll is owner of Tidy Casa, which he founded in 2015. The company cleans more than 600 homes a month in the Phoenix and Tucson areas.
• Kelly Russum is owner of KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning, based in Palm Springs, California, and has more than 40 years of experience with heating, cooling and air quality.