If you’ve recently recovered from a house fire but are dealing with a lingering smoke odor, the culprit may be your wooden surfaces. Wooden floors, walls, and furniture can hold onto smoke and require more extensive cleanings to eradicate the odor.
For smoke odor removal in the Wood River Valley, Valley Restoration provides top-notch service and expertise. Our guide below includes expert wood treatment tips that you can try, along with when to call for professional service.
Why Does Wood Hold Onto Smoke Odor?
Wood’s absorption of smoke varies depending on the type of wood and the duration of smoke exposure. Unfinished wood, in particular, has small openings that can trap particles, including smoke. Softwoods, such as pine, spruce, and cedar, have higher absorption rates than hardwoods, including walnut and oak.
Fortunately, there are several methods to deal with wood’s smoky odor.
What’s the Best Solution for Removing Smoke Odor From Wood?
There are several ways to remove smoke odors yourself, and what’s most effective will vary based on your individual situation. Whether you’re applying a solution or using a deodorizer, ensure that you closely follow each step and allow your treatment time to set in.
Neutralizing Solutions
Applying a homemade solution to the wooden area can absorb smoke odors and restore your wood. While there are several odor-eliminating formulas to try, a mixture of white vinegar and water is a simple yet often effective solution.
Natural Deodorizers
In some cases, you may not need a liquid solution. Natural deodorizers such as baking soda, activated charcoal, and even coffee grounds can eliminate odors when sprinkled on the surface or, in the case of activated charcoal, placed nearby.
Commercial Cleaners
If you prefer to use a commercial cleaner, choose one that’s specifically designed for use on wooden surfaces. Avoid products that contain bleach or any other strong acids that might damage wood.
Enzyme cleaners are particularly helpful in eliminating odors, along with other options containing neutralizing agents.
3 Steps to Removing Smoke Odor From Wood
1. Clean the Wood
Before treating your wood, clean the surface using a mild soap or wood cleaner. This removes any dust and other particles on the surface. Use a non-abrasive cloth or sponge that’s gentle on wood, and ensure the surface is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
2. Apply Your Treatment
If you’re using a homemade solution, spray it evenly onto the wood, allow it to set, wipe it down with a clean cloth, and then give it time to dry completely. If you try baking soda, sprinkle it onto the wood and allow it to settle for at least 24 hours before vacuuming up the remaining residue.
You don’t want to apply activated charcoal directly to wood. Rather, place some in a small bowl near the odorous area for three to five days and see if the smell of smoke decreases.
When using commercial cleaners, follow the instructions exactly as listed on the can or spray bottle.
3. Call Your Local Restoration Company
If step two is effective, you’re all set. If smoke odors continue to linger, call your local restoration company. The technicians can use professional-grade equipment to treat smoke trapped in wood.
Valley Restoration assists in treating wood as needed during fire damage restoration. Our team applies thorough cleaning and restoration techniques, ensuring your salvageable surfaces and furniture make a full recovery.
How to Prevent Smoke Smells in Wood
In the case of house fires, a lingering smoke odor can be unavoidable. But you can still implement preventive measures to keep your wood as fresh, strong, and odor-free as possible.
● Improve Air Circulation in Your Home: When possible, use exhaust fans while cooking and consider using HEPA purifiers to trap smoke particles.
● Seal Your Wood: Sealing wood floors can protect them against smoke penetration, as well as prevent water damage and decay.
● Clean the Wood: Regularly cleaning wooden surfaces can eliminate dust and particle buildup. Dusting weekly and using a wood cleaner once per month is generally a good practice.
Choose Valley Restoration for Smoke Odor Control in the Wood River Valley
Removing smoke odor from wooden walls, floors, and furniture can be challenging, but the experts at Valley Restoration are here to help. Since 1968, we’ve helped families and business owners in the Wood River Valley area take the right steps to restore their properties in the face of disaster. For 24/7 disaster recovery service in Ketchum, Sun Valley, Hailey, and Bellevue, Idaho, contact Valley Restoration today.
Schedule a restoration appointment today at 208-808-2000.