How to Remove Smoke & Burned Smells from a House

Smoke is an offensive odor that is difficult to remove.

Smoke and burned smells can develop from a variety of sources, including overcooked food, cigarettes, house fires and fireplaces. No matter what the cause of the smoke and burnt odor is, it fills your home with an unpleasant aroma that can last for days, weeks and months. Removing these odors can be a bit difficult since walls, fibers and fabric can trap the odors. Fortunately, there are all-natural ways to successfully remove the odors and freshen your home.

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Bucket
• Sponge
• Fans
• Baking soda
• Vacuum with upholstery attachment
• Small bowls
• Pot
• Lemons

Instructions

1. Remove any linens and wash them in cool water with the appropriate amount of laundry detergent and 2 cups of white vinegar. Vinegar is an all-natural deodorizer that will remove even the harshest odors from a variety of surfaces.

2. Remove all items from your walls. Fill a bucket with equal parts white vinegar and water. Saturate a sponge in the vinegar-water mixture and wring out the excess liquid.

3. Wash the walls with the sponge. Begin at the bottom and work upward. Allow the walls to dry before replacing the items. Point fans in the direction of the walls to aid in the drying process.

4. Apply baking soda liberally to your carpet and upholstery. Allow the baking soda to sit overnight. Like vinegar, baking soda is an all-natural deodorizer that will not cause harm to you, your family or your pets.

5. Vacuum the baking soda off the carpet. Secure the upholstery attachment to your vacuum's hose. Remove the baking soda from the upholstery with the attachment.

6. Place small bowls filled with white vinegar around your home. The vinegar will absorb the smoke and burnt odors in the air.

7. Allow a pot filled with water and sliced lemons to boil down on your stove. The lemons will remove odors and fill your home with a fresh citrus scent.

References

• Reader's Digest.com: Evaporate Smoke Odor
• Good Housekeeping: How to Remove Cigarette Smoke Odor