Why the smell stays
Smoke particles are tiny and sticky. They enter porous materials and ducts and release odor for months.
Clean the source
Wash or dry clean soft goods, clean hard surfaces and replace materials that hold odor, such as carpet pad and some insulation.
Treat the air
HEPA scrubbers and deodorizing treatments such as thermal fogging or hydroxyl units help when used after cleaning.
Seal what you cannot remove
Sealing primer over cleaned surfaces locks in remaining odor.
What does not work
Air fresheners, bowls of vinegar and open windows alone do not fix it. Ozone is unsafe for people, pets and plants.
The HVAC
Clean the ducts and replace filters, or smoke odor returns every time the system runs.
Our advice in one sentence
Clean the source, treat the air and seal what remains.
