Smoke damage causes nasty, lingering odors. Want to know how to get rid of them? Here's how to get the smoke smell out of a house
Let's face it, smoke of any type is dangerous to your health. Not to mention that the smell of smoke is offensive to the senses.
Whether a grease fire or a few smokers in your family, smoke damage is a severe health hazard. It also damages your property in numerous ways. But what causes smoke smells in a house? More importantly, how do you get rid of the smoke smell in a house?
A smoke smell in a house can have several causes, including:
Identifying the cause of the smoke smell in your house is essential, as some causes, such as a fire, may pose a risk to your safety. If you cannot determine the cause of the smoke smell, contact a professional for assistance.
The damage caused by smoke can be widespread and long-lasting, affecting not only the appearance of a home but also its structural integrity and indoor air quality.
Here are the main signs of smoke damage in a home.
If you experience smoke damage in your home, it's important to take immediate action to minimize the damage and to contact a professional cleaning and restoration service. These professionals have the equipment and expertise to clean and restore a home affected by smoke damage properly.
One of the main culprits of everyday smoke damage is cigarette smoke. It leaves a signature residue and smell of smoke.
Cigarette smoke leaves a strong odor because it contains a complex mixture of chemicals that produce a distinctive smell.
When a cigarette burns, the tobacco releases over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are known to be harmful to human health.
These chemicals include benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and acrolein. These are all volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which evaporate into the air and contribute to cigarette smoke's strong and persistent odor.
The odor can be powerful when the smoke is contained in a small space, such as a car or a room. This is because the VOCs from the smoke has nowhere to go. They become trapped in the room's air and surfaces, leading to a buildup of the distinctive odor. Additionally, some materials, such as carpet, upholstery, and clothing, are especially good at absorbing the odor from cigarette smoke, making it even more challenging to remove.
To sum up, cigarettes leave a strong odor because of the complex mixture of chemicals released when a cigarette is burned. Furthermore, these chemicals can become trapped in a small space and absorbed by certain materials.
Aside from smoke smells, what if the worst comes to pass, and your home catches fire? The fire's gone, but can you return to everyday life afterward?
No, it's not safe in a house after a fire until it undergoes inspection and professionals deem it safe.
Even if the fire is small and contained, the smoke and soot from the fire can cause significant damage and release toxic substances into the air. Inhaling these substances can harm your health and cause respiratory problems, eye irritation, and other health issues.
Additionally, the fire compromised the structural integrity of your home, making it unsafe to occupy. A professional inspector or contractor can assess the damage and determine if it is safe to return to your home.
Were you displaced from your home due to a fire? It is best to stay with friends or family or in a temporary shelter until it is deemed safe to return. Your local fire department or the American Red Cross can provide additional resources and assistance.
Speaking of house fires, soot is a typical result of blazes. Soot is a byproduct of incomplete combustion and contains a mixture of carbon particles and other toxic substances.
This makes it dangerous because it can contain harmful particles to the environment and human health.
Soot can cause respiratory problems and other health issues when inhaled, particularly for people with pre-existing conditions such as asthma or heart disease. Long-term exposure to soot can increase the risk of lung cancer and other serious health problems.
Soot also contributes to air pollution and harms the environment. When deposited on surfaces, it can cause discoloration and damage buildings and other structures.
In short, soot is dangerous because it contains harmful substances that can harm human health and the environment. Reduce exposure to it whenever possible.
Getting the smoke smell out of a house after a fire can be challenging. But there are several steps you can take to help eliminate the odor.
Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate through the house. Use fans to help move the air and speed up the ventilation process.
Wipe down all surfaces, including walls, ceilings, and floors, with a solution of water and white vinegar. This will help to remove any soot and neutralize the smoke odor.
Smoke can penetrate deep into carpet fibers and upholstery, so it's important to clean these surfaces thoroughly. Rent a deep cleaner or hire a professional to shampoo the carpets and upholstery.
Wash all bedding, curtains, and clothing that have come into contact with smoke. Wash them in cold water using an enzymatic cleaner designed for removing smoke odors.
A variety of products are specifically designed to eliminate smoke odors, such as sprays, candles, and plug-in air fresheners.
If you have items such as books, photo albums, and electronics exposed to smoke, it's best to store them outside until they can be cleaned.
Place bowls of vinegar or baking soda around the house: Vinegar and baking soda are natural odor absorbers and can help to neutralize smoke odors.
An air purifier equipped with a HEPA filter can help to remove smoke particles and odors from the air.
In some cases, the smoke odor can be difficult to remove and may require the services of a professional restoration company. They have specialized equipment and techniques for removing smoke odors from homes.
Keep in mind removing smoke odor from the home can be a time-consuming and potentially expensive process. But taking the necessary steps to eliminate the odor will help to make your home a safe and healthy living environment.
Want to see how to get the smoke smell out of a house? With Five Star Restoration in Murrieta, home restoration and repair experts use proven methods to remove nasty, lingering smoke smells in your home.
Besides removing smoke odors, the professionals at Five Star Restoration provide home and business owners with fire damage repair services. Experienced a recent grease fire that left your kitchen coated with smoke damage and carcinogens? Call up Five Star Restoration to transform your home from a dangerous
If you are not sure your location is in the areas we cover, or if you'd just like to chat or ask a question, give us a call.
We are committed to an excellent finished product and even better customer service. Rest assured that when we show up for your restoration needs, you'll be informed, confident and stress-free.
