Smoke odor is stubborn because it isn't in the air; it's in the walls, ducts, fabric and framing. Here's what works and what doesn't.
What doesn't work
- Candles, sprays and plug-ins (they mask, then fade)
- Painting over soot without cleaning it first
- Opening windows for a week
What works
- Soot removal from every surface with dry sponges and specialized cleaners.
- HVAC duct cleaning, since the system recirculates odor.
- Laundering and contents cleaning of fabrics and upholstery.
- Thermal fogging, which sends deodorizer into the same places smoke went.
- Hydroxyl or ozone treatment to break down odor molecules.
- Sealing raw wood and drywall that still holds odor before repainting.
This is the process behind our smoke damage restoration and fire damage restoration services. Serving New Haven, Bristol, Norwalk and all of Connecticut.