Smoke is a common cause of air pollution, but people more typically associate it outdoors produced by activities such as burning a campfire or grilling meats. Smoke, however, can also be a problem indoors.
Cooking using an open flame, such as when boiling water on a stovetop, can create smoke that can get trapped in your home and affect your indoor air quality. If you have recently been smoking inside your home, the smoke will also linger long after you’ve put out your cigarettes, too.
During winter, heating systems can also contribute to indoor smoke. Heating units that burn fuel, such as wood-burning stoves or fireplaces, can send smoke and soot particles into the air.
The smell of smoke can be difficult to get rid of, but there are some ways that you can try.
Increase Ventilation
One of the best ways to get rid of the smoke smell is to increase ventilation. Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate in your home. If it’s cold outside, you can also use a fan to help move the air around.
If you don’t want to open windows, consider installing an exhaust fan in the bathroom or kitchen. These fans can help remove smoke and other pollutants from the air.
Clean Air Filters
Another way to improve indoor air quality is to clean your air filters. If your air filters are dirty, they will be less effective at trapping pollutants, including smoke particles.
You should clean your air filters every two to three months, or as recommended by your air filter manufacturer. A furnace repair and maintenance will typically involve air filter cleaning or replacement. Furnaces should be serviced at least once a year, especially before winter rolls around.
Homeowners should also switch to high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters which can capture more particles than traditional filters. Many home heating and cooling systems already come with air filters installed, but not all are HEPA. If your system doesn’t have a HEPA filter, you can purchase one and install it yourself.
Remove Soot from Walls and Furniture
Smoke and soot can settle on walls and furniture, leaving a dirty residue behind. If this isn’t cleaned up, the smoke smell will linger.
You can clean soot from walls and furniture using a dry cloth or sponge. Be sure to avoid getting the soot wet, as this will make the problem worse. If the smoke and soot have been on your walls or furniture for a while, you may need to use a cleaner or degreaser to get rid of the residue.
You should also wash curtains, carpets and rugs, and other textiles that may have been affected by smoke.
Homeowners can also use fragrant essential oils and reed diffusers to mask the smell of smoke temporarily. However, these oils will not remove the smoke from your home.
If you have been smoking inside your home, you may need to take further steps to get rid of the smoke smell. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service to come in and clean your carpets, walls, and furniture. They will be able to use special equipment and products to remove the smoke smell and soot from your home.
Varnish Wood Floors and Furniture
If your floors and furniture are made of wood, you can seal them with a coat of varnish. This will help protect the wood from future smoke damage and will also help to remove the smoke smell.
You can purchase a variety of different types of varnish, so be sure to read the instructions carefully before you begin. Varnish can be toxic and it’s important to use caution when working with it.
Take These Steps Before Winter Rolls Around
If your home smells like smoke, there are some things you can do before winter rolls around to help prevent the problem from getting worse.
You should stop smoking cigarettes inside, especially as the temperature drops, because the smoke will be more difficult to get rid of. You should also make sure your fireplace and wood-burning stove are in good working condition and that the chimney is clean.
If you have a gas fireplace, you should have it inspected by a professional every year. Finally, you can install an air purifier in your home to help remove smoke and other pollutants from the air.
The smell of smoke, especially in an enclosed space, can be very unpleasant. If your house smells like smoke, there are some things you can do to get rid of the smell and improve indoor air quality.