- 1). Open every window in the house and situate multiple fans around the space. Turn the fans on the highest speed or setting and keep the fans running for several hours. The more you let the air circulate through the space, the more the smoke smell starts to dissipate.
- 2). Apply a deodorizer to any clothing, curtains or fabrics left in the house during the fire. Follow up by washing the fabrics in laundry detergent and warm water. After the fabrics come out of the dryer, check for any signs of smoke damage. If the smoke smell persists, wash again.
- 3). Empty the house of all furniture, carrying it outside. Let the furniture air out in the sun. Mix 4 tbsp. trisodium phosphate, 1 cup bleach and 1 gallon water in a plastic bucket. Wear rubber gloves and wash the walls and floors with the solution.
- 4). Wash furniture with the same solution you used on the walls. If you're worried about the bleach damaging the furniture, use a household disinfectant in place of the bleach. Wipe away any soot left on the furniture and then clean the surfaces carefully.
- 5). Clean the carpets in the house with a steam cleaner. Check the water in the cleaner frequently, replacing the water with fresh water when the liquid becomes gray and dingy. It may take several cleanings before the smoke smell lifts off the carpet.
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