A fire in your home or business can leave behind more than just visible damage. The lingering smoke odor can penetrate walls, furniture, carpets, and even HVAC systems, making it difficult to eliminate. Removing smoke odor requires specialized cleaning techniques to fully restore indoor air quality.



At Restoration 1 of Central Houston, we provide professional fire damage restoration services, including smoke odor removal for homes and businesses throughout Houston, TX. If you’re struggling with persistent smoke smells, follow these steps to help eliminate the odor and restore your space.

1. Ventilate Your Property Immediately

As soon as it is safe to enter your home, open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate. Placing box fans near openings can help push out lingering smoke particles and speed up the process. If the HVAC system was running during the fire, replace air filters to prevent further contamination.

2. Deep Clean Surfaces and Furniture

Smoke particles cling to walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture, requiring thorough cleaning to remove odors. Here’s how to tackle each area:

• Walls & Ceilings: Wash with a mixture of warm water, vinegar, and mild detergent to break down soot and smoke residue.
• Hard Surfaces: Clean countertops, cabinets, and doors with an all-purpose cleaner.
• Furniture & Upholstery: Use baking soda to absorb odors or hire a professional upholstery cleaner for deep cleaning.
• Floors & Carpets: Vacuum thoroughly with a HEPA filter vacuum and consider steam cleaning carpets and rugs.

3. Wash Clothing, Bedding, and Fabrics

Smoke can cling to clothing, curtains, and bedding, requiring specialized cleaning to eliminate the smell.

• Machine Wash: Add a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle along with your regular detergent.
• Dry Cleaning: Delicate or heavily affected items may need professional dry cleaning.
• Ozone Treatment: Consider ozone deodorization for stubborn smells in fabrics.

4. Use Activated Charcoal and Baking Soda

Both activated charcoal and baking soda absorb odors naturally and can help freshen up your space.

• Place bowls of activated charcoal or baking soda around rooms with heavy smoke damage.
• Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and furniture, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum.

5. Clean and Deodorize the HVAC System

Smoke particles can travel through air ducts and spread odors throughout your home. To prevent this:

• Replace air filters immediately.
• Schedule an HVAC duct cleaning to remove lingering soot and smoke particles.
• Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to improve indoor air quality.

6. Try Professional Thermal Fogging or Ozone Treatment

For severe smoke odors that don’t go away with standard cleaning, professional treatments may be necessary:

• Thermal Fogging: Uses deodorizing fog to neutralize smoke particles trapped in walls and furniture.
• Ozone Treatment: Uses ozone gas to break down smoke odor molecules for deep odor removal.

At Restoration 1 of Central Houston, we use advanced smoke odor removal techniques to completely restore indoor air quality.

7. Hire a Professional Fire Restoration Company

If smoke odors persist despite your efforts, professional smoke remediation may be required. At Restoration 1 of Central Houston, we provide:

• Comprehensive fire and smoke damage cleanup
• Advanced deodorization methods
• HVAC system cleaning
• Structural repairs and restoration

With specialized equipment and years of experience, we ensure your home or business is restored safely and efficiently.

Let Restoration 1 of Central Houston Help You Restore Your Property

If you’re struggling with stubborn smoke odors after a fire, Restoration 1 of Central Houston is here to help. Our expert team provides professional fire damage restoration and smoke odor removal services throughout Houston, TX.

Call us today for a free consultation and let us restore your property to a clean, odor-free environment.