Cut the Stench! How to Effectively Remove Smoke and Odors with DIY Methods

The first step to freshening up your air is to clean it. Vacuuming and dusting can help to remove built up debris such as ash or soot from particles present in smoke, as well as moisture and bacteria that accumulate from cooking, laundry, and on surfaces. Having a regularly replaced or newly installed air filter can also make a difference, as it can trap airborne particles that come from smoke and make it easier to keep your air clean. 

Additionally, using an air purifier can help to remove any airborne pollutants or odors that may be lingering in your home. Placing house plants throughout your home can also help to naturally purify the air and absorb odors, as plants have the added benefit of giving off a pleasant scent. Lastly, cleaning your walls or painted surfaces can help to eliminate any foul odors they may be harboring.

Once you have eliminated the air odor, the next step is to eliminate the source of the smell. This typically involves cleaning and scrubbing the affected area. Depending on the surface and material, you will want to spot treat with the appropriate cleaning agent. For example, if the odor has seeped into upholstery or fabric, try using an upholstery cleaner, laundry detergent, or enzyme cleaner. For carpets and rugs, carpet shampoo or sprinkling a generous amount of baking soda can help remove the smoke scent. 

Additionally, be sure to deep clean carpets, couches, and fabric-covered chairs to clear out the odor. If the odor persists, you may need to thoroughly clean, steam clean, or replace the affected material.

The next step in eliminating the smell of smoke from your environment is to spritz the air with an odor eliminator aerosol. These aerosols are specifically formulated to tackle odors like tobacco smoke, cooking, pets and more, while also freshening the air. To use the aerosol, spray the affected area evenly until it is lightly coated. Make sure to always follow the instructions on the can as they can vary among products. Oftentimes, spraying the same area more than once can cause the odor eliminating chemicals to become less effective. 

Additionally, make sure you buy the right type of aerosol for the smell you are trying to get rid of; there is a variety of scents to choose from, including citrus, peppermint and other natural scents, so you can find one that works for your situation. After spraying the aerosol, be sure to leave the area for the necessary time before entering, to allow the aerosol to take full effect.

If you’re looking for a more natural approach to improving the air quality in your home, you can try some DIY solutions like essential oil mists, baking soda, white vinegar, and activated charcoal. 

With just a few simple, natural ingredients you can get cleaner, fresher air in your home with minimal effort on your part!

• Essential oils mists are great to cover up smoky odors. Just add 30-40 drops of your favorite essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water and mist away. 
• Baking soda is known for its ability to absorb odors and can be sprinkled on furniture, fabrics, rugs, and carpets. 
• White vinegar is also known for its odor fighting capabilities and can be used to clean and spritz fabrics. 
• Activated charcoal can be placed in a shallow bowl in smoky spaces to absorb odors and can be disposed of once it’s saturated.