Key takeaways
- Short answer: Remove the source first: clean soot from every surface, wash or replace soft goods, replace HVAC filters and clean the ducts.
- Clean soot before treating odor
- HVAC and ducts hold smoke smell
- Professional odor removal: $200–$1,135
- Typical fire damage restoration cost: $2,900–$38,325 per typical job.
Step-by-step
- Ventilate with fans blowing outdoors.
- Remove soot from walls and ceilings with dry chemical sponges, then a degreasing cleaner.
- Launder or professionally clean fabrics, curtains and rugs.
- Replace HVAC filters and have ducts cleaned.
- Seal stubborn walls with an odor-blocking primer before repainting.
- Use professional fogging or hydroxyl treatment for lingering odor.
Professional odor treatments
| Method | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal fogging | $200–$585 | Reaches hidden cavities |
| Ozone treatment | $235–$465 | Home must be empty — people, pets, plants |
| Hydroxyl generators | Varies | Safe to run while occupied |
Related questions
Does vinegar remove smoke smell?
Bowls of vinegar can absorb mild odors but won't fix soot-embedded smell in walls and ducts.
How long does smoke smell last?
Without proper cleaning, it can linger for months or years, especially in porous materials and ducts.
Is ozone treatment safe?
Only in an empty home. Ozone irritates lungs, so people, pets and plants must be out until it dissipates.
Other fire damage restoration questions homeowners ask
How do you get the smoke smell out of a house?
Clean every surface, replace HVAC filters and clean the ducts, then treat the odor with thermal fogging, ozone or hydroxyl generators. Heavy odor may need sealing primer on walls.
Can I stay in my house after a small fire?
Only after the fire department says it is safe. Soot and smoke residue can be hazardous, and most policies include additional living expenses (ALE) coverage for temporary housing.
Does homeowners insurance cover smoke damage?
Most standard policies cover fire and smoke damage, including smoke from nearby wildfires. Check your policy for exclusions and limits.
What should I do in the first 24 hours after a house fire?
Get clearance to enter, call your insurer, secure the property with board-up and tarps, photograph damage and start a list of damaged belongings.
How much does fire damage restoration cost?
Fire and smoke restoration typically costs about $2,900–$38,325. Whole-home cleaning runs roughly $4.25–$6.50 per square foot nationally, and structural rebuilds cost more.
How long does fire damage restoration take?
A small kitchen fire can be cleaned in days. Major fires that need structural repairs take weeks to many months.
Should I clean soot myself?
It is not recommended. Soot is acidic and oily, and the wrong cleaner smears it deeper into surfaces. Professionals use dry sponges and specialized cleaners.
What is additional living expenses coverage?
ALE pays for temporary housing, meals and other extra costs while your home is uninhabitable after a covered loss.
Fire Damage Restoration at a glance
Timeline
Small kitchen fires can be cleaned in days. Major fires take several weeks to many months to rebuild.
Permits
Structural, electrical and HVAC repairs after a fire require permits and inspections.
DIY or pro?
Soot is acidic and can be toxic, so professional cleaning is the safe choice. You can photograph damage and list belongings for your claim.
What fire and smoke damage restoration costs
Fire damage restoration averages about $20,470, with most jobs costing $2,900–$38,325. Small kitchen fires with smoke damage sit at the low end; structural fires that need rebuilding and water cleanup from firefighting cost far more.