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Depending on the amount of soot present, you can vacuum some of it using a brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Then, remove the leftovers with a mild cleaner, such as dish soap or vinegar mixed with water. Before applying a cleaning solution, saturate the bricks with clean water to prevent the cleaner from penetrating beyond the surface and causing structural damage to the bricks.

To get rid of the smoke smell in a microwave, scrape off any burnt food residue and throw it away. Next, warm a cup of water in a microwave-safe container for three minutes. Then, dip a microfiber cloth into a mixture of water and a couple of drops of dish soap and wipe down the inside of the microwave. Dry the inside of the microwave with a fresh cloth and let everything air out for three hours.

Luckily, you can typically eliminate your microwave’s burnt smell within a few hours for most situations. Be sure to let it air out for two to three hours after cleaning to let the odor evacuate your home—if you close your home up too early, the odor will be trapped. For stronger, more stubborn burnt smells, it might take a full day or more to really notice a difference. 

In many cases, homeowners insurance covers smoke damage remediation, but coverage depends on the cause of the damage and the specifics of your policy. Typically, damage from a house fire, wildfire, or even a fire in a neighboring home is covered. However, damage from cigarette smoke is generally not covered.

Before filing a claim, review your policy to understand what is covered, such as restoration costs, replacement of damaged items, and temporary relocation. It's crucial to document all damage thoroughly, including to furniture and personal belongings. Contact your insurance provider promptly to start the claim process and get an evaluation before hiring professionals. Your insurer may also provide a list of approved smoke remediation companies to streamline the process.