- Alexander Rodriguez
How to Remove the Smell of Fire & Smoke from Furniture
Table of Contents
If your home has been through a fire—or even just heavy smoke exposure from a nearby fire—you’ve probably noticed that the smell of smoke clings to everything, especially furniture. Smoke odor isn’t just unpleasant; it seeps into fabric, wood, and upholstery, making it incredibly difficult to remove.
At ERX (Emergency Restoration Xperts), we’ve helped countless homeowners restore their belongings after fire and smoke damage. If you’re struggling with smoke-smelling furniture, don’t toss it just yet. This guide will walk you through the best ways to remove the smell of fire and smoke from furniture, whether it’s fabric, wood, or leather.
Why Does Smoke Odor Linger in Furniture?
Smoke is made up of tiny particles of soot and ash, which can easily settle into porous surfaces like fabric and wood. If not cleaned properly, smoke odor can:
✔ Stick around for months—even years
✔ Absorb into upholstery, carpets, and walls
✔ Trigger allergies and respiratory issues
The longer you wait, the harder it is to remove the smell. That’s why acting fast is the best way to save your furniture.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Smoke Smell Out of Furniture
1️⃣ Air It Out First
Before using any cleaners, let your furniture breathe.
✔ Move it outside, if possible—fresh air and sunlight help break down smoke particles.
✔ If you can’t take it outside, open windows and use fans to ventilate the room.
✔ Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to absorb lingering odors.
🚨 Pro Tip: Sunlight naturally helps break down odors, but be careful—too much sun can fade fabrics and wood finishes.
2️⃣ Vacuum Every Surface (Including Crevices & Cushions)
Smoke particles settle into fabric fibers, seams, and cracks, so a deep vacuuming is essential.
✔ Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap fine smoke particles.
✔ Vacuum all surfaces—even hard materials like wood and leather.
✔ Remove cushions and vacuum underneath to get hidden soot.
🚨 Pro Tip: A brush attachment helps lift smoke particles from upholstery and textured wood surfaces.
3️⃣ Use Baking Soda to Absorb Odors
Baking soda is one of the best natural deodorizers. It absorbs and neutralizes smoke smells without adding strong chemicals.
✔ Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over fabric furniture.
✔ Let it sit for at least 24 hours—longer if possible.
✔ Vacuum thoroughly to remove the baking soda and trapped smoke particles.
🚨 Pro Tip: For extra power, mix baking soda with activated charcoal—it’s even more absorbent!
4️⃣ Wipe Down Hard Surfaces (Wood, Leather, and Metal)
Wood and leather furniture absorb smoke and soot, so they need deep cleaning.
Cleaning Wood Furniture
✔ Mix equal parts vinegar and warm water.
✔ Wipe surfaces with a soft microfiber cloth—don’t oversaturate!
✔ Dry with a clean cloth, then polish with wood oil to restore moisture.
Cleaning Leather Furniture
✔ Use a mild soap and warm water solution (avoid harsh cleaners).
✔ Wipe down with a damp cloth, then dry immediately.
✔ Condition the leather with a leather conditioner to prevent cracking.
🚨 Pro Tip: If the smell persists, try a specialized wood or leather cleaner designed for smoke damage.
5️⃣ Wash Removable Fabric Covers & Cushions
If your cushions have removable covers, wash them according to the care label instructions.
✔ Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle—it helps neutralize smoke smell.
✔ Use baking soda in the rinse cycle for extra odor removal.
✔ Air-dry outside or in a well-ventilated area—don’t use heat, as it can set odors into the fabric.
🚨 Pro Tip: If the covers aren’t removable, use an upholstery cleaner or hire a professional fabric restoration service like ERX.
6️⃣ Try White Vinegar & Water Spray
Vinegar breaks down smoke molecules and neutralizes odors without leaving a strong scent.
✔ Mix one part white vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle.
✔ Lightly mist fabric furniture—don’t oversaturate!
✔ Let it air dry, then repeat if needed.
🚨 Pro Tip: If you hate the smell of vinegar, add a few drops of essential oil (like lemon or lavender).
7️⃣ Use Odor-Absorbing Materials
Placing natural odor absorbers near your furniture can help pull lingering smoke smells out of the air.
✔ Activated charcoal – Absorbs deep smoke odors.
✔ Bowls of vinegar – Neutralizes airborne particles.
✔ Coffee grounds – Leaves a fresher scent behind.
🚨 Pro Tip: Place odor absorbers inside drawers or under cushions for deep-set smells.
8️⃣ Consider Steam Cleaning for Deep Odor Removal
If smoke odor is still lingering, a steam cleaner can help.
✔ The high heat kills bacteria and lifts smoke particles from fabric.
✔ Works well for sofas, chairs, and thick carpets.
✔ Hire a professional for best results—DIY steamers may not be strong enough.
🚨 Warning: Don’t use steam on leather or untreated wood—it can cause damage.
9️⃣ Use an Ozone Generator (For Severe Smoke Damage)
Ozone generators neutralize smoke odors at the molecular level.
✔ Best for severe smoke damage where other methods don’t work.
✔ Can be rented or done professionally by ERX fire damage specialists.
✔ Only use ozone treatments in unoccupied areas—ozone can be harmful to breathe.
🚨 Pro Tip: Ozone treatment is extremely effective for smoke-damaged homes, but it should be used as a last resort.
When to Call a Professional for Smoke Odor Removal
Some smoke damage is too severe for DIY cleaning. If your furniture still smells after multiple treatments, it’s time to call in fire restoration experts like ERX.
✅ Severe smoke & soot buildup
✅ Deep-set odors that won’t go away
✅ Water damage from firefighting efforts
✅ Valuable furniture that needs expert care
📞 Need professional smoke damage restoration? Call ERX at (866)-217-7903 today!
FAQs About Removing Smoke Odor from Furniture
Q: How long does smoke smell last in furniture?
A: It depends on the extent of the fire. Without treatment, smoke smell can last for months or even years.
Q: Can I remove smoke smell without professional help?
A: Yes, for light smoke damage—try baking soda, vinegar, and ventilation. For severe cases, ERX’s professional cleaning is the best option.
Q: Does smoke-damaged furniture always need to be replaced?
A: Not always! Hardwood, leather, and some upholstery can be salvaged with deep cleaning. However, if smoke has penetrated deeply, replacement may be necessary.
Q: What’s the best way to prevent lingering smoke smell?
A: Act fast—clean smoke damage immediately after a fire to prevent deep absorption.
🚨 Still struggling with smoke odor? Call ERX at (866)-217-7903 for expert smoke damage restoration today! 🚨
