After a fire: smoke and soot cleanup, step by step
Even a small kitchen fire can leave soot and smoke smell through the whole house. Soot is oily and acidic, and the longer it sits, the more it stains walls, metal, counters and fabrics.
First, make sure it's safe
Don't go back in until the fire department says it's safe. Have the gas, power and water checked before you turn anything on.
What not to do
- Don't wipe soot with a wet cloth — it smears and pushes it deeper into surfaces.
- Don't turn on the heat or AC. It spreads soot and smoke smell through the ducts.
- Don't wash smoky clothes with regular detergent before talking to us — some smells get locked in.
- Don't eat food that was near the fire, heat or smoke, even if it was closed.
What you can do
- Take photos of every room and damaged item for your insurance.
- Open windows to let fresh air in.
- Cover clean furniture with sheets to protect it from loose soot.
- Keep a list of what was damaged and receipts for any costs, like a hotel stay.
Why smoke smell keeps coming back
Smoke gets into drywall, insulation, carpet, cabinets and air ducts. Air fresheners only cover it up. Getting rid of it means cleaning every surface, cleaning the ducts and using professional deodorizing equipment that breaks down the smell itself.
How we help
We board up and protect the property, remove soot from walls, ceilings and contents, clean the air, take out the smell and then rebuild what was damaged. One team, from the first call to the final repair.