How Do Professionals Get Rid of Smoke Smell?

The smell of smoke is as disgusting as it is persistent. While a property owner can reduce the smell of smoke, it is often necessary to bring professionals in for cases of severe wildfire, cigarette, or housefire smoke. They have the training, equipment, and cleaning supplies to completely scrub the affected area for proper smoke smell remediation.

What exactly do professional cleaners do to address the smell of smoke? Here are four common techniques.

Air Circulation and Air Purification

The first step in smoke smell remediation is increasing air circulation and purification. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and small particulates are significant causes of smoke smell. Circulating large amounts of air into your building will ventilate the VOCs and dust out, and can greatly improve the smell of your property.

Air purification is similar to air circulation, but the air is filtered rather than pushed out of your building. Professionals may use a combination of fans and air purifiers to manage the airflow within the property. This equipment is also handy when preparing for later work, as high-powered cleaners can release unpleasant fumes, which can be reduced by air circulation.

Clean all Flat Surfaces

For mild smoke smell remediation, air circulation may be sufficient to address the issue. If the smell persists, the next step is to thoroughly clean all the hard, flat surfaces in the property. Walls, floors, and ceilings are responsible for a surprising amount of smoke smell, so cleaning them can significantly improve the smell of the property.

This step is particularly effective in addressing the smell of cigarette smoke. In addition to dust and VOCs, smoke odor also comes from tar and oil deposits throughout a building. Long-term cigarette smoke allows tar and oil to build up throughout a property. Professionals can use powerful oxidizing cleaners to break down these greasy residues when performing professional smoke smell remediation.

Professionals also have equipment meant to efficiently clean ceilings and walls. Cleaning ceilings and walls is surprisingly time-consuming, especially if you do not have the proper stepladders and long-handle cleaning tools.

Clean Furniture and Carpeting

After the hard, flat surfaces have been addressed, smoke smell remediation will focus on anything made of fabric. Fibers can trap a large amount of dust and tar, meaning it is challenging to remove the smell of smoke from fabric. Unfortunately, the cleaning process is more likely to damage fabric, as harsh chemicals and vigorous scrubbing can discolor or rip delicate materials.

With proper technique and supplies, it is often possible to remove the smell of smoke from fabric without harming it. Professional technicians will work hard to save what they can. Still, it is sometimes best to simply replace fabric articles. Items like curtains, rugs, and bedsheets might be thrown out. At the same time, more effort is put into preserving clothing, furniture, and carpeting during smoke smell remediation.

Cleaning Out Ventilation System

There are certain areas of a building where it is nearly impossible for a property owner to clean appropriately. Your heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system (HVAC) is a prime example. Ash and soot can accumulate in ducts during smoky conditions.

Cleaning out the ventilation system is particularly important in cases involving wildfire smoke or a house fire. Particulates will make their way into your HVAC system and deposit there. Not only can this create a lingering smoke smell that will grow unexpectedly, but it will also lower your air quality.

Smoke smell remediation of HVAC systems can be achieved by cleaning technicians, who will enter the ductwork and clean it thoroughly. While ductwork is made of metal, it can be easily damaged by untrained individuals attempting to clean them out. Professionals can safely clean the ventilation system while avoiding damage to the ductwork.

Professional Smoke Smell Remediation Services

If you are dealing with the smell of smoke in your home or rental property, call the professionals. They will have the combination of training and equipment for smoke smell remediation wherever possible. Not only that, but they will also be efficient! Cleaning a house or apartment with severe smoke damage is a massive time investment. Working with a cleaning service ensures things are done quickly, without the headache of doing all the work yourself.