Get matched with top chimney sweeps in Alto, NM

Smoke can be tricky to remove from your home, especially after a fire. The best way to eliminate the smell is to open the windows to increase ventilation and air circulation in your house. Then, use white vinegar to wipe down walls, furniture, and floors. Try steam-cleaning carpet and other upholstered items to remove the smell of smoke.

The timeline for smoke damage remediation can range from a single day to several months, depending on the extent of the damage, the size of the affected area, and the methods used. For minor damage, such as removing cigarette smoke odors from a single room, the process might take only one to two days and typically involves deep cleaning, painting, and sealing walls. Some methods, like ozone treatments, can take 24 to 48 hours, though multiple treatments may be necessary. More extensive smoke damage, such as from a house fire, can take three weeks or longer to clean and treat. If significant material restoration or replacement is needed, the timeline can extend to six to 12 months. A smoke damage restoration professional can provide a more accurate estimate for your specific situation.

Pricing a fire-damaged house is tricky, and it’s best to involve some professionals. First, get a comprehensive repair estimate from a fire damage restoration expert. Next, have a real estate agent get you an as-repaired value for the home, which represents what the house would be worth if fully repaired. Subtract the repair estimate from the as-repaired value to get the as-is value.

Ozone smoke removal uses an ozone generator to eliminate stubborn odors from sources like house fires, wildfires, or cigarette smoke. Ozone (O3) is a highly reactive, unstable gas that neutralizes odors by oxidizing the organic compounds it comes into contact with. During this oxidation process, ozone "donates" its extra oxygen molecule to the smoke particles, effectively eliminating their smell, with oxygen being the primary byproduct. While ozone can be effective for removing smoke smells from building materials and belongings like wood furniture, this treatment is best left to a professional, as improper use of an ozone generator can be dangerous to your health.