Smoke Damage Cleanup: Soot, Odor and What to Throw Away

Smoke damage reaches much farther than the flames. Soot rides hot air into closets, attics and the HVAC system, then settles on every surface. It's acidic and oily, so it can stain and etch surfaces if it's left too long. And the smell gets into anything porous. Cleaning it the right way, in the right order, makes the difference between a fresh start and a house that smells like smoke every time it gets humid.

Safety first

• Don't enter until the fire department says the building is safe
• Wear nitrile gloves, eye protection and an N-95 respirator
• Open windows and use fans to ventilate, blowing air outdoors
• Keep children, pets and anyone with breathing problems out of the area
• Don't turn on the HVAC system until it's been inspected, because it can spread soot

Types of soot and why it matters

Using water on dry soot too early can turn it into a paste that soaks into paint. That's why dry methods come first.

How to clean soot off walls and ceilings

• Vacuum loose soot. Use a HEPA vacuum with a brush attachment, holding the nozzle slightly above the surface.
• Use a dry chemical sponge. Wipe in straight, overlapping strokes. Don't scrub. Turn or cut the sponge as it gets dirty.
• Wash with mild detergent. Mix a gentle cleaner with warm water. Test it in a hidden spot first.
• Work from the bottom up when washing walls so drips don't leave streaks on dirty areas below, then rinse from the top down.
• Dry the surface. Wipe with a clean towel and let it air dry.
• Prime and paint if needed. Stains that remain can be sealed with a stain-blocking primer.

Cleaning other surfaces

Hard furniture and cabinets. Wipe with a dry sponge, then clean with a wood-safe cleaner. Clean inside cabinets and drawers too.

Windows and glass. Wash with glass cleaner and change cloths often.

Fabrics and clothing. Shake off loose soot outdoors and wash several times. Heavily smoked items may need professional cleaning.

Carpet and upholstery. Vacuum with a HEPA vacuum, then deep clean. Heavy odor may mean replacing carpet pad.

Dishes and metal. Wash in hot, soapy water. Throw out plastic and wood items that absorbed odor.

How to get rid of smoke smell

Odor comes from soot particles and residue. To remove it:

• Clean or remove every surface with soot, including inside closets and drawers
• Replace HVAC filters, and have the ducts cleaned if smoke went through them
• Wash or replace curtains, bedding and soft furnishings
• Seal smoke-stained framing and subfloor with an odor-blocking primer during repairs
• Air out the house as much as weather allows

About ozone machines: The EPA warns that ozone can harm lungs. If a professional uses ozone, everyone, including pets and plants, must stay out until the space has been aired out.

What to throw away

Photograph and list everything before you throw it out. Your insurer will want the details.

Don't forget the water

If the fire department sprayed water inside, that water needs to be removed and the structure dried quickly. Wet drywall, insulation and carpet under soot can grow mold within days. Read how to file an insurance claim for documentation tips that also apply to fire losses.

When to call a pro

• Soot is in more than one room or inside the HVAC system
• The fire department used water inside the house
• Soot is oily and smears when you touch it
• The smell is still there after cleaning
• Walls, ceilings or framing are charred