What Is Smoke Remediation?

Types of Smoke That Cause Damage

Fire Smoke

Smoke from a fire can fill your house with toxic particles, debris, and sticky soot. It damages everything in its path.

Tobacco Smoke

Passive smoking or living in a smoker’s home leaves yellow stains and a strong odor. It clings to furniture, carpets, and ceilings.

Wildfire Smoke

Even if the fire is far away, wildfire smoke can enter your home through cracks or bad ventilation, lowering indoor air quality.

Where Smoke Hides in Your Home

Smoke spreads everywhere—even places you can’t see.

Hidden Trouble Spots

• Inside walls and air ducts

• Behind drywall or in the attic

• In your basement or roof

• On carpets, upholstery, and curtains

• Inside your home appliances and air filter systems

Steps in Smoke Remediation

Step 1: Emergency Service and Safety

Call a smoke remediation service as soon as possible. They wear personal protective equipment and know how to handle toxic materials safely.

Step 2: Full Home Inspection

Experts inspect your property for smoke, soot, mold, and water damage. They look inside vents, behind walls, and under floors.

Step 3: Air Cleaning and Filtration

They use:

• HEPA filters

• Air purifiers

• Ozone machines

• Activated carbon filters

These tools remove particles, pollutants, and bad odor.

Step 4: Smoke and Soot Removal

Cleaning includes:

• Vacuuming with special tools

• Using vinegar, sponges, and cleaners

• Scrubbing walls, ceilings, and furniture

• Removing deep smoke smells

Step 5: Fixing Water Damage

If water was used to put out the fire, you may also need water damage restoration. This stops mold from growing.

Step 6: Odor Control and Deodorizing

Pros use fogging, ozone, or activated carbon to clean the air and remove lingering smells.

Tools Used for Smoke Remediation

Professional Cleaning Tools

• Ozone machines – remove odor at the source

• HEPA vacuums – trap tiny particulates

• Activated carbon filters – clean chemical smells

• Dehumidifiers – remove moisture

• Foggers – spread cleaning mist into small spaces

Services Included in Smoke Remediation

What Services Can You Expect?

• Smoke damage cleanup

• Fire damage restoration

• Mold remediation

• Soot damage repair

• Air duct and furnace cleaning

• Dry cleaning for soft items

• Carpet cleaning and stain removal

• New paint and drywall if needed

What About Insurance?

Is Smoke Damage Covered?

In most cases, yes. Many insurance policies cover:

• Smoke damage

• Fire restoration

• Water damage

• Emergency cleanup

How to File a Claim

• Take clear photos of all damage

• Save all receipts for repairs and cleanup

• Call your agent and check your insurance policy

• Ask for an official inspection

Smoke Remediation Costs

What Affects the Cost?

• Size of the damaged area

• Type of smoke (tobacco, fire, or wildfire)

• How deep the damage goes

• If you need mold or water damage restoration

Small cleanups: $500–$2,000
Full restorations: $5,000–$15,000+

Tips to Prevent Smoke Damage

Fire Safety at Home

• Test your smoke detectors often

• Keep fuel sources like paper away from heat

• Clean your air ducts and filters

• Never leave candles or heaters unattended

Air Quality Tools

• Use air purifiers with HEPA and carbon filters

• Add ventilation in stuffy areas

• Use plants that clean the air naturally

• Change your air filter every 2–3 months

When to Call the Experts

Signs You Need Smoke Remediation

• Strong smoke odor that won’t go away

• Black stains or soot on walls, floors, or ceilings

• You or your family feel sick from air pollution

• Your carpet, furniture, or clothes smell like tobacco smoke

• You’ve had a fire or nearby wildfire

Search for “smoke remediation near me” or “fire restoration near me” to find local fire and restoration companies.