7 DIY Tips-Get Rid of Smoke Smell in Your House

If you’ve ever dealt with a lingering smoke smell in your home, you know how stubborn it can be. Whether it’s from cooking, cigarettes, or even a small fire – smoke odours tend to cling.

Learning how to get rid of smoke smell in house involves more than just airing out rooms; it often requires deep cleaning, deodorizing treatments, and specialized fire smoke odour removal techniques to fully restore a fresh environment.

Here’s a guide to not only eliminating smoke smells but also preventing them from becoming an issue in the first place. In this blog post you will know:

How to prevent smoke smell in the first place
How do I remove smoke smell from walls
How do I remove smoke smell from upholstered furniture

How to Prevent Smoke Smell in Your Home?

Smoke damage and odours (like burnt food/ fire/ cigarettes) can be challenging to eliminate once they settle in- so preventing them is the key.

Let’s get into our effective (tested) preventive tips..

1- Cook with Ventilation

• Use Exhaust Fans: Turn on your kitchen exhaust fan whenever you’re frying, grilling, or using spices that create a lot of smoke or smell. Open windows to help circulate air and prevent smoke particles from settling.
• Consider an Air Purifier: A purifier with a HEPA filter can help clear out smoke particles quickly thus, keeping your air fresh and preventing lingering odors.

2- Create a No-Smoking Indoors Policy

• Smoke Outside: Limit smoking to outdoor areas to avoid bringing smoke particles into your home. On the contrary you can create a well-ventilated area for smoking with windows open and fans running to decrease smoke spread in the house

3- Maintain Your Fireplace

• Schedule Regular Cleanings: clean your chimney at least once a year to prevent smoke buildup and possible backdrafts into your home.
• Burn the Right Wood: Avoid using damp or treated wood, as they create more smoke. Stick to seasoned hardwoods for a cleaner burn

4- Install Smoke Detectors and Alarms

• Detect Early Smoke: Smoke alarms help you detect fires early, reducing potential damage and allowing for quick action to ventilate and control smoke. Early detection also assists in minimizing lingering effects by enabling prompt fire smoke odour removal, ensuring a cleaner and safer environment after the incident.
• Test Regularly: Make sure alarms are functioning and replace batteries as needed. In case of any smoke- act quickly to protect your home

5- Invest in Odour-Absorbing Materials

• Keep Odour Absorbers Around the House: Place bowls of baking soda or activated charcoal in areas where smoke is common- like the kitchen or near fireplaces. These absorb smoke particles and prevent them from lingering.
• Use Fabric Deodorizers on Furniture: Smoke particles can stick to fabrics, so regularly deodorize upholstery, curtains, and rugs, especially if smoke exposure is common.

6. Check Your HVAC System

• Change Filters Regularly: HVAC systems can circulate smoke particles throughout the house. Changing filters frequently helps prevent particles from spreading and keeps the air cleaner.
• Clean Ducts and Vents: Smoke particles can get trapped in ductwork– so schedule routine HVAC maintenance to ensure your ducts and vents are clean.

7. Be Careful with Candles and Incense

• Limit Indoor Burning: Although candles and incense add ambiance, they produce soot and smoke that can linger. If you use them frequently-then consider flameless alternatives or keep them in well-ventilated rooms.

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How Do I Remove Smoke Smell from Walls?

Smoke smell removal from walls can be a tough job–but with the right techniques- you can effectively clear out the smoke smell and refresh your space.

1. Ventilate the Room

• Open Windows and Doors: air out the room to remove lingering smoke odor.
• Use Fans: Place fans pointing out the windows-to help pull out the smoke smell and improve air circulation.

2. Dust and Vacuum the Walls

• Dust with a Microfiber Cloth: Wipe down using microfiber cloth to remove any surface dust and soot particles.
• Vacuum with a Brush Attachment: Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to gently go over walls–especially if there’s visible soot. This will remove particles holding onto the odor.

3. Wash with Vinegar Solution

• Mix Vinegar and Water: Combine equal parts of white vinegar and warm water in a bucket. Vinegar is a natural odour neutralizer and works well for breaking down smoke particles.
• Wipe Down the Walls: Dip a sponge or microfiber cloth in the vinegar solution, wring it out, and start wiping the walls from top to bottom-this helps prevent streaks and water marks.
• Rinse with Clean Water: After cleaning-rinse the walls with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue.

4. Use Baking Soda for Tough Odours

• Sprinkle Baking Soda: For strong odour areas or stains- sprinkle baking soda onto a damp sponge and gently scrub the spot. Baking soda absorbs odours and adds mild abrasion to help lift residue.
• Rinse and Wipe: Wipe down the area afterward with a clean, damp cloth to remove any baking soda residue.

5. Try a Commercial Smoke Odour Remover

• Select an Odour Neutralizer: Look for a product specifically formulated for smoke removal-usually labeled as a smoke or odour remover. Many of these cleaners work well on walls and can break down smoke particles. Use them as per instructions on the label

6. Use an Odour-Sealing Primer and Repaint (If Needed)

• Apply a Primer: If the smoke smell persists despite cleaning-you may need to seal it in with an odour-blocking primer. Apply the primer over the walls to lock in remaining smoke particles.
• Repaint the Walls: Once the primer is dry-repaint with fresh coats of paint. This is especially helpful for walls with heavy smoke damage, as it refreshes the look and smell of the room.

7. Add an Air Purifier with a HEPA Filter

• Run an Air Purifier: A HEPA air purifier can capture smoke particles and help eliminate odours in the air. Look for an air purifier with an activated carbon filter for best results.

How do I Remove Smoke Smell from Upholstered Furniture?

A combination of fresh air, odour-neutralizing agents, and thorough cleaning usually will do the job.

Here’s how to get smoke smell out of wood furniture?

1. Ventilate the Room and Furniture

• Fresh air helps neutralize odours-especially if you can leave the furniture out for several hours.
• Open Windows and Doors: If taking furniture outside isn’t an option-then open windows and doors to get air circulating.

2. Vacuum Thoroughly

• A vacuum with a HEPA filter can capture small smoke particles embedded in the fabric. Don’t forget to go over each area slowly, so take your time!.

3. Apply Baking Soda

• Generously sprinkle it over all upholstered surfaces to cover hidden areas.
• Let It Sit- for several hours or, if possible, overnight. This gives it time to absorb the smoke odor.
• Vacuum Again: After the baking soda has absorbed the smell, vacuum it up thoroughly. Repeat the process if any smell lingers

4. Use White Vinegar

• Using the mixture explained above-spray a light mist of the vinegar solution over the fabric, being careful not to oversaturate it. Allow it to air dry completely. The vinegar smell will dissipate as it dries, taking smoke odour with it.

ALERT* Test First: Always test the solution on a small, hidden area of fabric to make sure it doesn’t affect the color or texture.

5. Use an Odour-Eliminating Spray

• Select a Fabric-Safe Deodorizer: Avoid heavy perfumes that just mask odours; instead-look for a product that neutralizes smells.
• Apply an even mist over the entire surface of the furniture-let it dry completely then wipe.

6. Steam Clean for Deep Cleaning

• Steam cleaning is one of the most effective ways to remove smoke smells– because it reaches deep into the fabric fibers.
• Protip-You can use an upholstery attachment to thoroughly clean every surface of the furniture.
• Many steam cleaners allow you to add cleaning solutions– look for one that’s designed to remove smoke odour removal. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
• Let It Air Dry: After steam cleaning-let the furniture dry completely. Open windows or turn on a fan to speed up the drying process.

7- Consider Activated Charcoal Bags

• Place active charcoal bags near the furniture especially in areas where the smell is strong.
• Leave for 24–48 Hours: The charcoal will help absorb any lingering smoke particles. You can reuse charcoal bags, making them a great long-term solution for maintaining freshness.

If you want to save yourself the hassle or you don’t have enough time to do it on your own—then contact us to give you the piece of mind you deserve!