Effective Techniques for Smoke Odor Removal in Fire Damage Restoration

A residential or business-facility fire can release microscopic particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that permeate the environment. These particles become embedded in porous materials such as wood, drywall, carpet and upholstery, causing smoke odor to linger long after the flames are extinguished. The goal of effective smoke odor removal is to eliminate these pollutants, which will neutralize the odor.

Prepare for the Project

Gather Safety Gear

Personal protective equipment (PPE) items such as respirators, gloves, and eye protection will be indispensable for protecting workers from harmful particles.

Get Ready for Documentation

Proper documentation is essential throughout the odor-removal process. So, plan how you will measure and sketch affected spaces, capture photos, and record all observations, processes and instrument readings. One proven way to manage all of these tasks is to use a professional floor plan app, such as magicplan. A high-quality, digital floor plan app will enable you to complete documentation tasks quickly and easily.

Conduct an Initial Assessment

The first step in smoke odor removal is a thorough assessment of the areas impacted by smoke and fire damage. You can use your floor plan app to do all of the following:

• Collect information and visuals, including room measurements, floor plan sketches, photos, 360-degree panoramas, and written notes about your observations concerning the structure and its contents. These efforts will help create a clear and detailed overview of the job site and the extent of property fire damage.
• Document the cause and source of loss, as well as evidence of combustion byproducts to add on to the initial information and visuals you collected.
• Document pre-existing conditions of the property and its contents as well, so you can assess the actual extent of fire damage and plan targeted fire and smoke damage restoration work.
• Assess the severity of the odor. Use instruments to measure the indoor air quality. Categorize the smoke odor as subtle, moderate or significant.
• Generate a preliminary fire damage assessment report that explains your findings. Share the report with your client, the insurance claims adjuster assigned to the project, and any experts (such as engineers) who may need to get involved. Then prepare a cleaning/remediation plan that addresses your assessment findings.
  

LEARN MORE: Steps to Conducting a Thorough Fire Damage Assessment (Post-Cleanup)

Provide Client Education

Help your client understand the smoke-odor removal process by taking time for a one-on-one discussion. You can explain the complexity of smoke odor, describe the types of techniques you may be using, communicate why multiple visits may be necessary, and provide a realistic timeline for the smoke-odor removal process. You may also choose to offer guidance on maintaining an odor-free environment after your work is completed.

Use a Combination of Techniques to Contain and Remove Smoke Odors

Several options are at your disposal, including the ones described below. Be sure to follow the BSR­/IICRC S700 Standard for Professional Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration, and take advantage of fire damage restoration training and certification courses to sharpen your knowledge and skills.

Containment

Once your initial fire damage assessment is complete, containment is a fundamental next step. Use plastic sheeting and negative air pressure to isolate the affected areas, preventing odors from spreading to unaffected interior spaces. 

Removal of Smoke-Damaged Materials

In many cases, the most effective way to eliminate smoke odor is to remove heavily damaged materials entirely. Those materials may include carpeting and padding, drywall, insulation, and smoke-affected furniture and textiles. You will need to determine which items can be professionally deep-cleaned and deodorized for reuse, and which ones are beyond repair and must be properly disposed.

Ventilation and Air Scrubbing

Proper ventilation is imperative in the initial stages of smoke remediation, as increased air circulation helps to disperse smoke particles and reduce their concentration. This may involve opening windows and using industrial fans to promote air flow. You can also deploy air scrubbers with HEPA filters that capture airborne smoke particles to improve indoor air quality. 

Surface Cleaning and Deodorizing

A combination of dry cleaning and wet cleaning methods can be used.

• Dry Cleaning: Vacuuming with HEPA-filtered vacuums is effective for capturing loose surface particles. Specialized soot sponges can also be used to wipe soot residue off surfaces before applying any liquids.
• Wet Cleaning: Clean smoke off walls, floors and other hard surfaces with a mixture of water and an enzymatic cleaning agent – particularly one that is designed to break down odor-causing molecules (i.e., a professional smoke damage cleaner). 

Commercial Odor Neutralizers

Here are a couple common types used by professional contractors:

• Ozone Generators: These devices produce ozone, a powerful oxidizing agent that neutralizes odor-causing particles. However, ozone generators must be used with caution, as high ozone levels can be harmful to humans and animals. The treatment area must be completely evacuated during the oxidation process, and proper ventilation is mandatory after treatment before the property is reoccupied.
• Hydroxyl Generators: A safer alternative to ozone generators, hydroxyl generators produce hydroxyl radicals that neutralize odors without harmful side effects. These devices can be used in occupied spaces (by following the manufacturer’s operating instructions), can run continuously, and are effective for large-scale odor removal. 

Specialized Equipment

Investing in specialized equipment can enhance the effectiveness of smoke odor removal. For example:

• Photocatalytic oxidizers combine ultraviolet light with titanium dioxide to break down odor molecules.
• Thermal-fogging machines vaporize a deodorizing solution and disperse it throughout a smoke-affected area.
• Essential-oil-membrane machines deliver a fast, high-intensity treatment by dispersing essential oils to neutralize odors.

Professional HVAC Cleaning

Smoke particles often infiltrate HVAC systems, which can redistribute odors throughout the interior of a structure. Cleaning these systems is crucial to prevent recontamination. Workers should:

• Clean ductwork with specialized brushes and vacuums to remove soot and debris.
• Replace HVAC filters with high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) filters during the smoke restoration process, to trap smaller particles and improve air quality.
• Deodorize the system by using HVAC deodorizing products designed to neutralize odors. 

Sealing and Encapsulation

In some cases, despite thorough cleaning methods, odors can persist. Applying sealants and encapsulant coatings on affected surfaces can be an effective solution. Consider applying appropriate products to smoke stains on walls, floors and ceilings to lock in residual odors and prevent them from being released into the air.

Textile Treatments

Textiles often require special attention. So, you’ll want to partner with a professional cleaning company that knows how to remove smoke odors from clothing and draperies. For example, an expert cleaner will know how to treat delicate textiles with an ultrasonic bath, a technique that uses high-frequency sound waves.

Conclusion

Smoke-odor removal is an important component of fire damage restoration. The key to success lies in mastering a well-planned and comprehensive approach that addresses all affected materials and spaces. By employing a variety of effective strategies to eradicate lingering odor, you can ensure relief, safety and comfort for occupants.

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