In this blog entry, the professional New York, Long Island, and New Jersey fire damage remediation service and smoke damage remediation service team here at 24 SERV will detail the best ways to get smoke smell out of your ceiling. 

What are the factors that affect smoke smells on ceilings?

The strength and smell of a smoky odor on the ceiling depends on the source of the smoke, ranging from cigarette smoke from tobacco chemicals, wood-burning fire smoke, or kitchen / grease fire smoke. Long exposure to smoke allows smoke particles to more deeply penetrate ceiling materials, while short exposure only affects the surface of the ceiling. Ceiling material also matters- with popcorn ceilings or untreated wood more readily absorbing odors than metal or painted ceilings.

What preparation should be completed before cleaning smoke smells off ceilings?

We will wear masks, gloves, and eye protection for safety. We will open all windows and use fans to bring clean air into your home. We will also help protect your belongings, moving items that could get damaged by cleaning materials. If you can’t move them, cover them up with drop cloths or plastic, preventing damage to floors or furniture. We will test all cleaners on a hidden spot of the ceiling before use to ensure it won’t damage the ceiling.

What are some popular over the counter choices for smoke odor removal?

• Zep Smoke Odor Eliminator can break down smoke and remove smells
• OdoBan has versatile uses and can be used on a range of surface types
• Febreze Fabric Refresher can be used on ceilings to remove subtle or surface smoke odors

What is the process of ceiling smoke smell removal?

• We will dust and vacuum the ceiling to remove soot and debris
• We will create a gentle cleaning solution for cleaning the ceiling
• We will apply the cleaning solution to the ceiling, saturating the entire ceiling
• We will scrub the ceiling with a bristled brush to break down smoke particles, taking care not to damage the ceiling surface
• We will rinse the ceiling with clean water using a damp sponge, removing the cleaning solution and smoke residue, and wringing out all excess water
• We will dry the ceiling to prevent mold or water damage using open windows and industrial grade fans to speed up the process
• We will conduct a final inspection, checking for any lingering smoke odors