The Best Ways to Get Rid of Smoke Smell in Your Home and Refresh the Air

One minute your home is smelling clean and fresh—and the next, you've accidentally burnt toast or a candle's gone rogue. How do you tackle those lingering smoky fumes in your home?

Our cleaning and restoration experts share immediate actions and long-term solutions to eliminate the smell of smoke and make it seem like that burnt dinner never even happened.

Immediate Solutions

Here are a few immediate actions to help alleviate the worst of the smokiness as quickly as possible.

Circulate Fresh Air

The first action in ridding your home of the smell of smoke is to get that air moving. “Open windows on opposite sides of your home to create cross-ventilation, which pulls smoke particles out faster than just opening one window,” advises Nicole Backus, product and brand manager at Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc. “If you've got ceiling fans, run them on high with windows open for about 15 to 20 minutes.”

Turn On Exhaust Fans

Next, be sure to turn on any exhaust systems in the home. “Use kitchen and bathroom fans to push smoke out of the home instead of letting it linger,” says Matt Gorbacz, owner of Clean Air Technologies.

Neutralize the Air

Use natural products to neutralize the air inside your home. “Place bowls of baking soda, activated charcoal, or even white vinegar around your rooms,” says Gorbacz. “They absorb odor molecules rather than just masking them.”

You might try boiling water with added essential oils, cinnamon sticks, or citrus peels. “The steam will help neutralize smoke odors in the air while leaving behind a fresh scent,” explains Jessica Rinfret, chief operations officer at All Pro Restoration.

Activate an Air Filter

Once the air has circulated properly, move an air purifier into the area. “True HEPA filters capture 99.97 percent of smoke particles as small as 0.3 microns, which includes those microscopic particles that keep the smell lingering long after visible smoke clears,” Backus says. “Be sure to use one that features HEPA filtration on all settings—not just the lowest—because you’ll want to run the purifier on its highest setting in the affected area for at least an hour.” 

Backus says to then move the air filter closer to where the burning occurred. “The activated carbon filter layer in HEPA filters will absorb the gaseous compounds and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that create that stubborn burnt smell,” she says.

Deeper Cleaning Methods

Tackle smoke smells on a deeper level. Consider the following cleaning methods if that burning smell lingers.

Tackle the Fabrics

To eliminate lingering odors, start with your fabrics such as curtains, throw pillows, and blankets, says Backus. “Fabric fibers often are the worst offenders when it comes to trapping smoke particles.”

Attack the Carpet

For upholstery and carpets that can't be thrown in the wash, Backus suggests sprinkling baking soda generously, letting it sit overnight to absorb odors, and then vacuuming thoroughly. “The baking soda pulls smoke particles out of the fibers,” she says. “Be sure to run your air purifier after any vacuuming, as this action stirs up more particulates that will need to be handled.”

If you still detect a lingering odor, Gorbacz recommends using a professional-grade carpet cleaner or renting a steamer for rugs and carpets.

Don’t Forget Hard Surfaces

Don't neglect walls, ceiling fans, light fixtures, and other hard surfaces. Smoke can leave an invisible film, warns Backus. “Mix a solution of warm water with a tablespoon of dish soap and two tablespoons of white vinegar per gallon,” she says, “then wipe down all hard surfaces with a clean dishcloth or sponge.”

Long-Term Solutions

To improve the air quality of your home and completely eliminate any particularly offensive smells, explore the following solutions.

Consider Ozone Treatment

An ozone machine does a good job eliminating smells, says Nicole Kent, owner and CEO of Hubbard’s Maid Service, a luxury cleaning company in Savannah, Georgia. “You can find a good ozone generator online for under $100,” Kent says. “They work by making ozone particles, which break down the VOCs that create that smoke smell using oxidation.” 

Ozone is hazardous for both people and pets to breathe in, so they will need to leave the house while the machine operates. “Most have timers and run for several hours,” Kent explains. “Ozone will break down into regular oxygen within two hours after the machine stops—at which point it will be safe to come back. It works best in an enclosed, small space.”

Invest in the Right Air Purifier

The key is getting an air purifier with two features: a true HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter. “The HEPA captures the tiny smoke particles still floating around, while the activated carbon absorbs the gaseous compounds that create that lingering smell,” Backus explains. “Run it continuously on high for the first 24 to 48 hours after a smoke incident, then drop to auto mode to maintain clean air.” 

Have the Ducts Professionally Cleaned

For persistent odors, you might need to replace your HVAC filter earlier than scheduled and consider having your air ducts professionally cleaned. “The combination of thorough cleaning, proper ventilation, and continuous air purification will completely eliminate smoke odors,” Backus says.