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Cut the Stench! How to Effectively Remove Smoke and Odors with DIY Methods

Smoke and other strong odors can be stubborn and difficult to get rid of, but there are ways to make things easier. The most common way to freshen a space is by using the power of ventilation. Opening up windows can help circulate air and draw out the smoky smell. You can also use an air purifier or air freshener to try and mask or absorb the smell.

An easy trick that is often overlooked are using dryer sheets. Place them around the room to naturally freshen it up! For even better results, you can use charcoal, baking soda, or a borax cleaner to target the molecules that cause the smell. Long-term, you can think about what might be causing the bad smell in the first place and try to find a way to address it.

In this blog post, we’re going to explore DIY smoke and odor removal strategies—no magic required! With the help of these simple steps and tools, you’ll have your space smelling fresh and clean in no time.

Step One: Clean Your Air

The first step to freshening up your air is to clean it. Vacuuming and dusting can help to remove built up debris such as ash or soot from particles present in smoke, as well as moisture and bacteria that accumulate from cooking, laundry, and on surfaces. Having a regularly replaced or newly installed air filter can also make a difference, as it can trap airborne particles that come from smoke and make it easier to keep your air clean.

Additionally, using an air purifier can help to remove any airborne pollutants or odors that may be lingering in your home. Placing house plants throughout your home can also help to naturally purify the air and absorb odors, as plants have the added benefit of giving off a pleasant scent. Lastly, cleaning your walls or painted surfaces can help to eliminate any foul odors they may be harboring.
Step Two: Clear Out the Source

Once you have eliminated the air odor, the next step is to eliminate the source of the smell. This typically involves cleaning and scrubbing the affected area. Depending on the surface and material, you will want to spot treat with the appropriate cleaning agent. For example, if the odor has seeped into upholstery or fabric, try using an upholstery cleaner, laundry detergent, or enzyme cleaner. For carpets and rugs, carpet shampoo or sprinkling a generous amount of baking soda can help remove the smoke scent.

Additionally, be sure to deep clean carpets, couches, and fabric-covered chairs to clear out the odor. If the odor persists, you may need to thoroughly clean, steam clean, or replace the affected material.
Step Three: Spritz the Air

The next step in eliminating the smell of smoke from your environment is to spritz the air with an odor eliminator aerosol. These aerosols are specifically formulated to tackle odors like tobacco smoke, cooking, pets and more, while also freshening the air. To use the aerosol, spray the affected area evenly until it is lightly coated. Make sure to always follow the instructions on the can as they can vary among products. Oftentimes, spraying the same area more than once can cause the odor eliminating chemicals to become less effective.

Additionally, make sure you buy the right type of aerosol for the smell you are trying to get rid of; there is a variety of scents to choose from, including citrus, peppermint and other natural scents, so you can find one that works for your situation. After spraying the aerosol, be sure to leave the area for the necessary time before entering, to allow the aerosol to take full effect.
Step Four: A Dash of DIY
If you’re looking for a more natural approach to improving the air quality in your home, you can try some DIY solutions like essential oil mists, baking soda, white vinegar, and activated charcoal.

With just a few simple, natural ingredients you can get cleaner, fresher air in your home with minimal effort on your part!
- Essential oils mists are great to cover up smoky odors. Just add 30-40 drops of your favorite essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water and mist away.
- Baking soda is known for its ability to absorb odors and can be sprinkled on furniture, fabrics, rugs, and carpets.
- White vinegar is also known for its odor fighting capabilities and can be used to clean and spritz fabrics.
- Activated charcoal can be placed in a shallow bowl in smoky spaces to absorb odors and can be disposed of once it’s saturated.

With these DIY smoke and odor removal strategies, you’ll be able to effectively get rid of any smoke and odors in your home without any magic required. You can choose an aerosol to spritz your air, such as a scented freshener or essential oils, to rid your home of any strong odors.

Alternatively, you could make a natural solution for you and your family to use, such as a homemade mixture of baking soda and essential oils or a vinegar and water solution. You’ll be thankful you’ve taken these steps to freshen up your space and make it smell great again.

If you've recently had a major fire, smoke or odor event in your Bentonville, AR home, Freedom Restoration Services can help. Our team is certified and experienced in odor and smoke removal from smoke and fire damage. We specialize in helping our clients restore their homes, businesses, and property to their pre-existing condition as quickly and effortlessly as possible with the utmost precision.

At Freedom Restoration Services, we understand the importance of providing a safe and inviting environment for your home and family. That is why we strive to provide a safe and effective smoke and odor removal service with a satisfaction guarantee. Our restoration services are also presented in a timely fashion, so you can get back to your normal routine without delay.

If you have any questions about our smoke and odor removal service in Bentonville, AR, or any of our other restoration services, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (479) 274-0814. We’re here to help make your environment comfortable and safe once again.

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