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Yes, a bowl of vinegar can absorb smoke. If you want to use this method to reduce the smoke smell in your house, all you have to do is leave a bowl (or multiple bowls) of white vinegar out overnight. Alternatively, you can use bowls of baking soda, coffee grounds, or activated charcoal.

Yes, most insurance plans cover acts of nature. In policy documents, this also may be called “Acts of God” or “natural disasters.” However, not all acts of nature are covered by your policy, and the extent to which they’re covered depends on your specific contract. Check your policy documents to understand your coverage limits and exclusions.

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.

Hard materials like glass, metal, and hardwood floors, washable fabrics, and undamaged electrical appliances can often be salvaged after a fire, although it depends on the extent of the damage. For washable fabrics, make sure to use a phosphate mix during the washing process to extract the smoke smell. There are a few things you should throw away after a fire, like canned foods and cosmetics, even if they don’t look like they’re damaged.