How Do You Remove the Smell of Smoke From a House?

Open every window and exterior door you can, and set up fans to push stale air out and pull fresh air in. Cross-ventilation helps clear the most obvious smoke smell from the air itself, though it won't reach what's soaked into walls, carpets, or upholstery. Run exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to keep the air moving.

If the smoke came from a fire, check that the home is safe before spending time inside. Turn off the HVAC system so it doesn't recirculate smoky air through every room. Once the air smells clearer, move on to cleaning surfaces and fabrics, which hold the bulk of the odor.

Smoke leaves a sticky, yellowish residue on walls, ceilings, and hard furniture. Mix a solution of warm water and mild dish soap, or use a commercial smoke cleaner, and wipe every surface from top to bottom. Pay special attention to light switches, door frames, and window sills, where residue collects.

Don't forget less obvious spots like inside cabinets, drawers, and closets. Wipe down electronics, picture frames, and lamps. After wiping, rinse with clean water and dry each surface. If the smell persists on painted walls, you may need to wash with a stronger degreaser or eventually repaint with a sealing primer.

For stubborn smoke odors that remain after cleaning, professionals use ozone generators or thermal fogging. Ozone machines release ozone gas that oxidizes odor molecules, while thermal fogging penetrates porous surfaces with a deodorizing mist. Both methods require the home to be empty, including pets and plants, during treatment.

These treatments are not DIY projects, since ozone can harm lungs and plants. A local water damage pro can evaluate the extent of the smoke damage and recommend the right approach. In some cases, sealing or replacing porous materials like drywall and insulation is necessary to fully remove the smell.