How to get the smell out of your house from a nearby fire

6/26/2017 (Permalink)

As you may know, the smell of smoke travels quickly and sticks to everything it touches. I was in a building that had a fire a week prior and my clothes smelt like a campfire after just 10 minutes. 

If you have been unfortunate enough to be around an area that recently had a fire, your home may also have that same campfire smell to it. 

Here are a few tips to help rid your home of that smell.

Open All The Windows

Opening windows is a mustGet some fresh air in and let the gross air out. You may also think about purchasing a window fan to help circulate air in and out of your home. 

Wipe Everything Down

If you’re close to a fire, or if you had your windows open while a nearby building was on fire, then chances are good you have some soot at least on your windows, if not on your walls as well. Make a solution of a gallon of water, a quarter cup of white vinegar, and a teaspoon of dish soap, and then used it to wipe down all your windows, window sills, and walls on the side of your apartment where the fire was. Small smoke particles have probably settled all those places, and this cuts through it like nothing else. Get the windows with window cleaner as well and mopped your hardwoods.

Wash Everything Washable

Have curtains? Take them down and wash them. Duvet? Wash that. Anything that you can throw into a washing machine you should. Do you own a mattress pad? This may help salvage your mattress.

Plan, Plan, Plan

I highly recommend purchasing renter’s insurance. Most people think of renters insurance just in case someone breaks into your home and don't take into account what could happen in a fire. If you have a policy, a lot of the cleanup would be taken care of.