Odor Removal Tips For Homeowners in
Fire damaged homes in
1. Promote good ventilation in the home by keeping all doors and windows open. This will allow the smoke to clear so that you can begin your smoke clean-up. The odors that remain after a fire will permanently cling to your walls and furniture if they cannot escape and are trapped inside the house for a long time. Other than being a nuisance, the odors may also be harmful to the health of the residents so it will be wise to let them out of the house.
2. To aid and speed up the smoke odor removal process, fill several bowls of vinegar and put them in various areas of the house. Put more of these vinegar bowls in areas of the house which have been severely damaged by fire. You can also soak paper towels and cloth in vinegar and strategically place them on affected surfaces in rooms. Leave these set up for at least 24 hours so they can pull the smoke odors off the air. Keep the doors closed for the whole duration of this treatment to achieve maximum effect.
3. Ozone generators can also be employed for these purposes. These equipments will release oxygen ozone gas which will remove the stubborn odors from the air and the surfaces. You can rent ozone generators or have professional cleaners operate them for you.
4. You can remove this unwanted smell from your clothes, curtains, rugs and upholstery by mixing vinegar with your cleaning detergent. You can also steam your clothes over a tub filled with hot water and vinegar. Keep the bathroom door shut as you do this. Vinegar always works effectively in smoke odor removal so you have to utilize this kitchen item in your smoke clean-up process.
5. Dip a damp cloth in warm water mixed with vinegar. Wipe your walls and furniture with the cloth. Allow the solution to set in for at least a day before you rinse it off with cold water. Make sure that you allow the surfaces you have treated to completely dry before you occupy the room. To speed up the drying process, open all doors and windows or use a high-powered dehumidifier.
6. If the odors stubbornly remain even after your initial clean-up process, you can resort to the many smoke odor removal solutions currently available in the market. Choose a strong solution that will work in a short time. You can also ask your family and friends for product referrals. Follow the instructions in the label when you apply the treatment.