How to Get Smoke Smell Out of Your House
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The smell of smoke is easily recognizable and hard to ignore. When it comes to smoke odor removal, covering up the problem with scented candles and sprays simply won’t cut it.
Sometimes, stubborn odors can become trapped in homes, seeping into walls, carpeting, or upholstery, and can become difficult to get rid of over time. Whether brought on by a fireplace, cigarettes, or even from a house fire, the smell of smoke has a habit of lingering and contributing to an uncomfortable environment. For this reason, it’s important to address smoke odor before it has a chance to become a greater issue.
Although smelling it is an unpleasant experience for you and your guests, breathing in smoke odors can also lead to more serious health problems down the line. When smoke odors are present, this means you and your family could unintentionally be breathing in smoke regularly, which is a major health hazard.
Clean indoor air quality is key to healthy living, and addressing a smoke smell is imperative for the health and comfort of your family and guests. In this article, we’ll be exploring the immediate actions you can take to eliminate the smoke smell in your home along with general deep cleaning tips to maintain a healthy living environment.
How to Get Rid of Smoke Odor Fast
If you're wondering how to get rid of smoke odor quickly, the key is to remove the microscopic particles and residue causing the smell rather than simply covering it up.
Follow these steps:
- Open windows and doors to create cross-ventilation.
- Turn on fans to move smoke-contaminated air outside.
- Replace your HVAC filter to prevent smoke particles from recirculating.
- Run a HEPA air purifier with an activated carbon filter.
- Clean walls, ceilings, and hard surfaces where smoke residue collects.
- Wash fabrics, curtains, and washable textiles.
- Deodorize carpets and upholstery using baking soda or professional cleaning.
- Address lingering odors with deep cleaning or professional smoke odor removal services.
The sooner you act, the easier it will be to prevent smoke odors from becoming embedded in walls, flooring, furniture, and HVAC systems.
Immediate Actions to Take
Although persistent, long-term smoke odors will require more significant efforts, taking immediate action can dramatically reduce odor buildup. Smoke contains microscopic particles and gases that quickly settle onto surfaces throughout the home. The faster these contaminants are removed, the less likely they are to become trapped in porous materials such as carpet, upholstery, drywall, and wood.
- Ventilate the home—immediately open all windows and doors so that the smoke can move out of the house quickly.
- Turn on fans—to encourage the smoke to move faster, turn on ceiling fans and position portable fans so that they move the air toward the open doors and windows.
- Use air purifiers for smoke—if you have an air purifier handy, keep it running to remove harmful particulates and odors from the air.
- Remove the source—the source of the fire, such as burned objects or cigarettes, will release more smoke odors, so be sure to dispose of them safely and away from the home.
- Replace HVAC filters—smoke particles often become trapped in HVAC filters and can continue circulating throughout the home. Replacing the filter immediately can help reduce lingering odors and improve indoor air quality.
Why Smoke Odors Are So Difficult to Remove
Many homeowners are surprised to find that smoke odors can linger long after the smoke itself has disappeared. This is because smoke is made up of microscopic particles, oils, tars, and gases that settle onto nearly every surface they contact.
Unlike ordinary household odors, smoke particles penetrate porous materials such as carpeting, upholstery, drywall, insulation, wood, and fabrics. Once embedded, these particles continue releasing odor-causing compounds into the air.
This is especially common after cigarette smoking, fireplace use, cooking mishaps, wildfire smoke events, or fire damage. In severe cases, smoke contamination can even spread through a home's HVAC system and air ducts, making complete odor removal more challenging.
According to the CDC, tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, hundreds of which are toxic and approximately 70 that can cause cancer. This is one reason why removing smoke residue is important not only for comfort but also for maintaining healthy indoor air quality.
What Is Thirdhand Smoke?
Most people are familiar with firsthand smoke and secondhand smoke, but fewer know about thirdhand smoke.
Thirdhand smoke refers to the residue left behind after smoke settles onto surfaces throughout the home. These particles can cling to walls, furniture, carpeting, curtains, clothing, and even dust. Over time, the residue can continue releasing odors and potentially harmful chemicals back into the indoor environment.
This is one reason smoke odors often persist even after the source of the smoke has been removed.
Research from the Center for Tobacco and the Environment at San Diego State University found thirdhand smoke residue in 100% of smoker and non-smoker apartments studied, demonstrating how persistent smoke contamination can be even after smoking has stopped.
For homes with a long history of indoor smoking, professional cleaning and restoration services are often necessary to fully address thirdhand smoke contamination.
DIY Cleaning Methods
Getting rid of the smell of smoke in your home can feel like an impossible task. After all, odors can get trapped just about anywhere, so where do you start? Although at times store-bought is the way to go, at other times the best solution for stubborn odors can be found in our very own cabinets. To help you determine the best plan of action, read on for helpful DIY smoke odor remedies.
White Vinegar
When it comes to home deodorization, vinegar does an amazing job of neutralizing smoke smells and there are a few ways you can use it depending on your needs. For any smoke smell trapped in furniture and flooring, dampen a cloth with two cups of vinegar and a half gallon of warm water. Use the solution to wash surfaces and eliminate the smoke smell.
Another way you can utilize vinegar’s natural odor-absorbing properties is by leaving a bowl of vinegar in any room that smells of smoke. After about a day, the vinegar will absorb airborne smoke particles. The longer you let the bowls sit, the more effective the smoke smell elimination will be. For rooms with a more severe odor, you may consider letting the bowls sit for longer than a single day.
Baking Soda
Among the lineup of natural odor absorbers, baking soda is a miracle worker when it comes to upholstered furniture and carpeted flooring.
To use baking soda effectively, simply sprinkle baking soda over the smoke-ridden area. This can include carpeted flooring or upholstered furniture items. Ideally, you should allow the baking soda to sit overnight so it has time to fully penetrate the surface and absorb any contaminants. After it’s set, simply vacuum up the powder and repeat the process if needed.
Activated Charcoal
Although activated charcoal might not be something you have readily available, it is another great natural solution to smoke smell elimination. Similar to placing bowls of vinegar in rooms with persistent smoke odors, you can set activated charcoal in those areas as well to absorb smoke particles. You can achieve this by leaving the charcoal in a bowl or, as a less messy option, creating cloth sachets filled with activated charcoal and placing them throughout the home.
Vanilla Extract
While candles and scented sprays mask harmful smoke odors, vanilla extract not only absorbs the odor, but also makes the home smell nice. To use this method, simply leave a few drops of vanilla extract on cotton balls and place them around the home or near significantly affected areas. Over a few days, the vanilla extract will act as a natural deodorizer and leave a hint of a sweet scent.
Store-bought Odor Absorbers
If you’re short on time or if the home remedies aren’t doing the trick, there are many commercial odor absorbers for purchase that can target more specific issues and successfully eliminate the smell of smoke within the home. Store-bought options include air purifiers, pre-made activated charcoal air purifying bags, and professional-grade smoke odor counteractants, to name a few. Be sure to read any directions carefully before using store-bought products for the most effective results.
Do Air Purifiers Remove Smoke Smell?
Air purifiers can play an important role in smoke odor removal, but it is important to understand what they can and cannot do.
The most effective units combine:
- HEPA filtration for smoke particles
- Activated carbon filtration for odor-causing gases and VOCs
HEPA filters are highly effective at capturing the fine particles found in smoke. According to the EPA, HEPA filters can remove up to 99.97% of particles in the 0.3 to 1.0 micrometer size range, including many of the fine particles associated with wildfire smoke and tobacco smoke.
While air purifiers can significantly improve air quality, they should be used alongside thorough cleaning of walls, ceilings, carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces where smoke residue accumulates.
How to Remove Smoke Odor From Different Surfaces
Smoke odors do not affect every surface equally. Different materials require different cleaning approaches for effective odor removal.
Carpets and Rugs
Carpet fibers can trap smoke particles deep below the surface. Baking soda treatments may help with mild odors, while professional carpet cleaning is often needed for severe smoke contamination.
Upholstered Furniture
Fabric furniture readily absorbs smoke odors. Vacuum thoroughly, apply odor absorbers, and consider professional upholstery cleaning for persistent smells.
Curtains and Drapes
Wash machine-washable fabrics according to manufacturer instructions. Dry-clean-only materials should be professionally cleaned.
Clothing and Linens
Wash items promptly using detergent and consider adding white vinegar to help neutralize smoke odors.
HVAC Systems and Air Ducts
Smoke particles frequently accumulate in HVAC systems. Replacing filters and scheduling professional air duct cleaning may be necessary if odors continue circulating throughout the home.
Hard Surfaces
Cabinets, countertops, doors, trim, and flooring should be cleaned thoroughly using appropriate cleaning solutions to remove smoke residue.
Smoke Odors Hiding Throughout Your Home?
Smoke particles don't just settle in one place. They can become trapped in carpets, upholstery, draperies, air ducts, walls, and other hard-to-reach areas throughout your home.
COIT's professional cleaning specialists use advanced equipment and proven techniques to remove smoke residue from multiple surfaces, helping eliminate odors at the source rather than simply masking them.
Professional Cleaning Services
Although there are a variety of options and solutions available to eliminate the smell of smoke on your own, we understand that sometimes it’s a better use of time and money to go straight to the professionals for help. When it comes to smoke odors, it’s not only a matter of a foul smell, but also a matter of health, which is why it’s of the utmost importance to remedy the issue as quickly as possible.
COIT Cleaning and Restoration technicians have the experience and equipment required to not only rid your home of smoke odors, but also remove harmful particulates to ensure all areas of the home are clear and safe. We offer deep cleaning services to ensure all surfaces, flooring, upholstery, and drapery are thoroughly cleaned and odorless.
In situations where there is extensive fire damage, we can also take an inventory of your possessions, securely pack them, and take them to our warehouse for proper cleaning and smoke elimination.
When it comes to ridding your home of harmful smoke odors, you don’t want to be taking any chances or doing any guesswork. For technicians you can trust, contact COIT today for professional smoke odor elimination.
Preventative Measures
The best way to promote freshness and prevent the smell of smoke long-term is by establishing and maintaining routine cleaning practices. Through various house freshening methods, you’ll not only achieve indoor air quality improvement, but also create a more comfortable living environment for you, your family, and your guests.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Below are some general cleaning and maintenance tips to foster a smoke-free home:
- For smokers, avoid smoking indoors and use proper ventilation practices to ensure smoke particles don’t remain in the home.
- Vacuum upholstery and floors weekly, performing a deep clean of all carpets every 8 to 12 months.
- Disinfect all countertops and surfaces.
- Dust weekly to further promote healthy indoor air quality and clear air ducts.
- If using air purifiers to trap smoke particles, be sure to change out filters according to the manufacturer's suggestion.
- Upgrade HVAC filters when possible. Research from Harvard and the CDC found that MERV 13-14 filters were associated with a 30.9% reduction in indoor PM2.5 levels compared to lower-rated filters, helping improve indoor air quality after smoke exposure.
Deep Cleaning Walls and Ceilings
A deep clean means beyond surface-level stains and odors. If your home smells heavily of smoke, you will want to consider performing a deep clean of all surfaces, which includes washing walls and ceilings. Follow these steps to effectively remove the smell of smoke from these surfaces:
Walls
- Use a duster to remove surface-level dust and debris from walls.
- When washing walls, you will want to use a gentle cleanser, such as mild dish soap, to avoid stripping any paint or damaging wallpaper.
- Simply mix the soap with warm water and, working in sections, use a clean sponge or cloth to wash the walls.
- Using a dry, clean cloth, pat the walls dry.
Ceilings
- Use a duster to remove surface-level dust and debris from ceilings.
- Create a solution of 2 cups of warm water, 1/4th cup of vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of dish soap and pour it into a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution onto the ceiling and, using a clean, damp extendable paint roller, work your way across the ceiling to gently scrub.
- Using a dry, clean cloth, pat the ceiling dry.
How to Remove Wildfire Smoke Smell From Your Home
Wildfire smoke can infiltrate homes even when windows and doors remain closed. The fine particles found in wildfire smoke are small enough to enter through tiny gaps around doors, windows, and ventilation systems.
If your home has been affected by wildfire smoke:
- Replace HVAC filters.
- Run HEPA air purifiers continuously.
- Keep windows and doors closed during active smoke events.
- Avoid burning candles or using fireplaces until air quality improves.
- Clean all exposed surfaces to remove settled particles.
In some cases, professional cleaning may be required to remove odors that have become embedded in soft surfaces and HVAC systems.
Smoke Odor Removal Mistakes to Avoid
When trying to remove smoke odors, many homeowners unintentionally make the problem worse.
Common mistakes include:
Relying on Air Fresheners
Sprays, candles, and plug-in products typically mask odors rather than remove the source.
Only Opening Windows
Ventilation helps remove airborne smoke but does little to address smoke residue trapped in surfaces.
Forgetting HVAC Systems
Smoke particles can continue circulating through dirty filters and contaminated ductwork.
Repainting Too Soon
Painting over smoke residue without cleaning first can trap odors beneath the paint and cause them to return later.
Waiting Too Long
Smoke residue becomes more difficult to remove the longer it remains in the home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions and answers from the experts at COIT:
Q: How long does it take for the smell of smoke to go away in a house?
A: The amount of time it takes for the smell of smoke to go away will depend on the severity of the situation. While less severe cases may only last a few days, more severe cases can last months. In all cases, it’s best to address the issue immediately to reduce the time it will take for the smell to dissipate and to avoid breathing in harmful particulates.
Q: How to get rid of a burnt smell in the house fast?
A: Open all windows and doors, turn on fans to move the air around and toward exits, and safely remove the source of the burnt smell. Beyond these immediate steps, utilize an air purifier to pull and remove smoke odors from the air.
Q: What neutralizes the smell of smoke?
A: To neutralize the smell of smoke, consider using vanilla extract to absorb harmful smoke odors and replace the smoke smell with a sweeter, fresher scent.
Q: What absorbs smoke in a house?
A: Due to their natural deodorizing properties, vinegar, baking soda, activated charcoal, and vanilla extract are just a few things you can use around the home to absorb smoke.
Signs You Need Professional Smoke Odor Removal
While DIY methods can help with minor smoke odors, some situations require professional intervention.
You may benefit from professional smoke odor removal services if:
- The odor returns shortly after cleaning.
- The home previously belonged to a smoker.
- Smoke contamination affects multiple rooms.
- Odors are coming from HVAC vents.
- Smoke resulted from a house fire.
- Walls, ceilings, or insulation appear affected.
- DIY odor removal methods have not worked.
Professional smoke odor removal goes beyond surface cleaning and targets the underlying smoke particles and residue responsible for persistent odors.
Final Thoughts
Smoke odors are a hazard, and if you notice them in the home, it’s important to act as quickly as possible to avoid damaging your property and your health. Whether you choose to use something you already have in your cabinets or go for a store-bought smoke odor eliminator, there are a variety of options available to rid the home of the smoke smell on your own. That said, if those options aren’t quite cutting it, or if you want to get to the source as quickly as possible, COIT is just a call away.
Our experts will not only perform a deep clean, but also ensure your home is free of harmful particulates—keeping your family safe and granting you peace of mind.
For expert smoke odor elimination, contact COIT today.
