Wildfires in California are a growing problem, and it’s not just when the flames are roaring that the problems occur. The soot and ash left behind make cleanup arduous; and when the soot is gone the smell of smoke lingers. This is an issue for any household, but for those with allergies, or homes with seniors, small children and pets, the issue compounds. Smoke just doesn’t smell bad. It is dangerous. If you or your family have been affected by fire (wildfire, arson, etc.) look into smoke odor removal without delay.

What’s the Problem with Smoke?

Where there is the smell of smoke, there is particulate, which is the fine mixture of what was burned, along with noxious gasses. Particulate is different from soot or ash. It’s microscopic so it can’t be swept up. It gets into the carpets, walls, clothing and toys. It impacts your HVAC. Even worse, it gets into your lungs.

Those most at risk from smoke particulate are pregnant women, compromised persons (post surgery, diabetics, stroke victims, etc.), youth, seniors and anyone with pre-existing lung diseases (asthma, COPD, etc.). For these persons, smoke odor removal is a priority.

Home Remedies. Should You Try Them?

The following smoke odor removal methods should only be considered as short-term solutions until the professionals arrive. The best thing to do is to call professional smoke remediators; this is the safest way to guarantee all the particulate is removed from the home.

• The vinegar wipe down: vinegar can clean and neutralize some odors, however the acidity is not good for a variety of fabrics. When diluted, it loses it potency, but diluting is necessary for items that come into contact with skin to prevent irritation. Use a vinegar wipe on hard, colorfast surfaces only.

• Open the windows: fresh air will help reduce the smell, however this won’t work if the smoke and ash are still in the outdoor air. It is also not enough to quickly and efficiently get the particulate out of the home, or out of the HVAC system.

• Air fresheners: don’t do this. Covering up the smell does not remove any particulate and only adds more compounds to the air.

Getting Away from it All

In the event of a wildfire or other mass disaster, it will take time for professional smoke odor removal companies to arrive – it could be a few days if not longer. Check your home insurance policy. Some have clauses that provide you with funds to relocate temporality to a safer location. If you have this clause, use it. Being out of the home is a safer method than trying to air it out until the professionals arrive.

If your insurance does not have provisions for this, tapping your emergency fund or staying with friends and family is a good idea.

Call in the Professionals for the Best Smoke Odor Removal

There is nothing you can do for smoke odor removal that compares to what a professional remediator can do. You see, it’s not just carpets and linens that are impacted by particulate. Your HVAC system takes a big hit. As the lungs of any building, if the HVAC system is contaminated, your entire home – and everyone in it – is at very high risk. The best smoke odor removal is the one where the professionals come in and do a complete HVAC and air duct cleaning and deploy activated charcoal filters to absorb lingering particulate. This company should also work with, or have in their network, disaster recovery specialists that can remove damaged materials, properly deep clean items and help with reconstruction.

Don’t Go it Alone

Breathing in particulate will cause many health issues later in life. After a house fire or a wildfire, no amount of surface wiped downs or opening the windows will give you the long-term help you truly need. While a few home remedies will provide some relief, you need to vacate the premises if possible, and call-in smoke odor removal specialists. Without proper HVAC and air duct cleaning, you’ll be left breathing in particulate long after the smell of smoke is gone. Your health matters. Protect yourself and your family by doing the right thing – calling HVAC cleaners that work with disaster recovery specialists so your home can be truly safe once again.