How to Remove Smoke Smell: Tips for a Fresh, Clean Home

Smoke smell can linger in a home, sticking to fabrics, walls and even air vents long after the initial source is gone. Whether it’s from a fire, cigarette smoke or cooking—removing smoke odour takes more than just airing out the room. Here’s how professional services like PuroClean tackle smoke odour and what you can do to effectively remove smoke smell from your space.

Why Removing Smoke Smell Matters

Smoke smells aren’t just unpleasant – they can impact indoor air quality and overall health. Over time, smoke particles settle into carpets, upholstery and even walls—releasing toxic compounds like tar and nicotine. Left untreated, these particles can continue to emit harmful chemicals, which is especially dangerous for children and people with respiratory issues.

For complete smoke smell removal, professionals combine advanced techniques and equipment to target particles that may be invisible to the eye yet deeply embedded in the home.

The Steps to Effectively Remove Smoke Smell

Removing smoke odour involves multiple steps, each targeting a different layer of contamination. Here’s a closer look at how professionals and homeowners can address smoke odour at its source.

1. Eliminate the Source

The first step in removing smoke smell is identifying and eliminating the source of the odour. If the smoke smell comes from an event, like a fire, it’s important to remove burnt items, such as damaged furniture, carpeting or drywall. Even small items can continue to release odours and chemicals into the air, so discarding these will immediately reduce odour.

2. Deep Clean Surfaces

For stubborn smoke odours, a deep clean is essential. Cleaning methods vary based on the type of material affected. Here are a few common approaches:

• Hard surfaces: Wipe down walls, floors and countertops with a solution of vinegar and water. Vinegar’s acidity helps neutralize smoke molecules.
• Soft surfaces: Sprinkle baking soda over carpets and upholstery, let it sit for a few hours to absorb odours and then vacuum thoroughly. Fabrics like curtains, rugs and pillowcases may need washing or dry cleaning.

Cleaning every surface exposed to smoke will prevent residual odours from lingering.

3. Clean Air Ducts and HVAC Systems

Smoke can travel through your HVAC system, reintroducing odours every time you turn it on. Cleaning air ducts and replacing HVAC filters is an important step that prevents smoke from circulating back into the freshly cleaned air. High-efficiency filters like HEPA can trap tiny particles, further improving air quality.

4. Use Specialized Odour Removal Techniques

Professionals employ advanced techniques to remove smoke odour at a molecular level, ensuring that the smell doesn’t return. Here are some common methods:

• Air Scrubbing: Using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, air scrubbers capture smoke particles from the air, removing up to 99.97% of microscopic contaminants.
• Thermal Fogging: This technique uses a fogging device to release a deodorizer in vapor form, reaching every nook and cranny of the room. Thermal fogging penetrates fabrics and other materials to counteract smoke molecules.
• Hydroxyl Generation: Hydroxyl molecules break down odour particles safely, mimicking the natural process that occurs when UV rays hit water vapor. Hydroxyl treatment is especially useful in occupied spaces since it’s safe for people and pets.
• Ozone Generation: Ozone generators are powerful tools for neutralizing smoke odour. However, the area should be empty during treatment, as ozone can irritate the lungs. Ozone binds to smoke molecules and neutralizes them—effectively removing the smell.

These techniques ensure a thorough cleaning that removes smoke smell at its core, leaving the space odour-free and safe to use.

5. Improve Ventilation and Use Natural Deodorizers

While advanced techniques are effective, simple steps can also help maintain freshness. Increasing ventilation by opening windows or using fans reduces airborne particles. Sunlight, too, helps neutralize odours by breaking down molecules, so take advantage of natural light.

For smaller areas, consider natural deodorizers like bowls of vinegar, activated charcoal or baking soda placed around the room to absorb any lingering odour.

6. Seal Surfaces, If Necessary

In cases where smoke odour is deeply embedded, such as in walls or wood—sealing surfaces can be a final step to lock in any remaining particles. Professionals may apply a specialized sealer over affected walls or floors, trapping odour particles beneath. This technique is particularly useful in older homes where smoke smells have accumulated over time.

Why Professional Smoke Odour Removal Is Effective

While home methods can reduce light smoke smells, professional smoke smell removal guarantees complete treatment for severe cases. By addressing every area of a home and using industry-grade equipment, professionals like PuroClean can remove even the most persistent odours.

In addition to removing odour, professional deodorization can also improve indoor air quality— creating a healthier environment for your family. For homes affected by fires or heavy smoke, these treatments provide long-lasting results that are difficult to achieve with DIY methods alone.

When to Call for Professional Help

If smoke odour persists after multiple cleaning attempts, it may be time to call for professional help. PuroClean’s specialists are equipped with the latest technology and techniques to eliminate smoke smell safely and efficiently, restoring comfort and freshness to your space. Contact PuroClean Restoration Regina today to learn more about our smoke odour removal services and reclaim a fresh, clean home.