There’s nothing like cozying up to a crackling fire on a chilly evening. But your evening plans can quickly go awry when you first light that fire, and smoke fills the room. What do you do when this happens? Chimney Champions is coming to the rescue! This happens more often than you might think, so we’ve got some pretty good solutions to get the smell of smoke out of your home.
Let the Fresh Air In
The first step in eliminating smoke odors from your home is to open all windows and doors to let fresh air circulate. This will help ventilate the space and move out any lingering smoke particles. You may also want to consider using fans or air purifiers to help speed up the process. Additionally, try placing bowls of vinegar or baking soda around the house—these natural odor absorbers can help neutralize the smell of smoke.
Wash All Fabrics
Next, it’s time to tackle any fabrics or upholstery that may have absorbed the smoky odor. Wash all washable items such as curtains, bedding, and clothing with a strong detergent, and add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. For items that cannot be washed, such as furniture or carpets, sprinkle baking soda liberally over them and let them sit for several hours before vacuuming them. This will help absorb any lingering odors.
Scrub the Hard Surfaces
Another effective method for removing smoke odors is to clean all surfaces in your home with a mixture of water and white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. These natural cleaning agents can help break down stubborn smoke residues and eliminate odors. Don’t forget about ceilings, walls, and light fixtures – smoke particles can also settle on these surfaces.
Change Your HVAC Filter
Lastly, don’t forget to change your HVAC filter. Changing the filter is crucial in removing smoke smells from your home because the filter traps smoke particles and other contaminants as air circulates through the system. A new, clean filter ensures that your HVAC system is operating efficiently, providing better air quality and helping to eliminate lingering smoke odors. Additionally, a fresh filter prevents the spread of smoke particles to other areas of your home, contributing to a healthier living environment.
Don’t Get Smoked Out
Dealing with the aftermath of a fireplace accident can be stressful, but Chimney Champions is here to help. If your smoke incident resulted from a chimney malfunction, then it’s time to call us for an inspection. We’ll look at your chimney, give a quote on any repairs, and recommend a new cap if necessary. Schedule your appointment with our team in Jacksonville, FL, today at (904) 268-7200.