Smoke Damage Cleanup
Invisible damage, fully removed.
Smoke damage often outlives the fire itself. Even minor smoke events—a kitchen mishap, a neighboring structure fire, wildfire smoke pulled in through HVAC—leave acidic residues that corrode surfaces and trigger long-term odor issues. We treat the cause, not just the symptoms.
Smoke is not just a smell—it's a chemical event
Smoke residue is acidic, corrosive, and microscopically fine. It works its way into porous building materials, HVAC ductwork, attic insulation, fabrics, and electronics. Within days it begins etching glass and metal. Within weeks it discolors paint and degrades varnish. The smell you notice is the surface effect of a chemical contamination throughout the home.
Wildfire smoke and ember intrusion
The Pacific Northwest's wildfire seasons increasingly affect Puget Sound homes even hundreds of miles from active fires. Outdoor smoke is pulled into homes through HVAC intakes, attic vents, and gaps in the building envelope, depositing fine particulate ash on every surface. We provide whole-home wildfire smoke remediation including HVAC decontamination, attic and crawlspace cleaning, and air quality verification.
Why DIY cleaning makes it worse
Wiping sooty surfaces with a damp cloth drives residue deeper into porous materials and turns dry powder into permanent staining. Running the HVAC distributes contamination through every room. Using fragrance sprays masks the odor temporarily while the underlying chemistry continues to corrode and off-gas. Professional smoke remediation requires specific cleaning agents (alkaline degreasers for protein residue, dry-chem sponges for dry smoke) applied in the correct order.
What's included
- Surface and contents cleaning
- HVAC and ductwork decontamination
- Ozone and hydroxyl odor treatment
- Sealing of porous materials when needed
- Air quality testing and verification
- Wildfire smoke and ash remediation
Warning signs to watch for
- Persistent smoky odor that returns after cleaning
- Yellow or brown staining on walls, ceilings, or window frames
- Tarnished or corroded metal fixtures
- Visible soot residue around vents or returns
- Eye, nose, or throat irritation in the home
What to do right now
- 1.Turn off the HVAC system immediately
- 2.Open windows for cross-ventilation if outdoor air is clean
- 3.Avoid touching sooty surfaces
- 4.Cover upholstered furniture and bedding
- 5.Call us for an inspection before you attempt cleaning
Our certifications
- IICRC FSRT (Fire & Smoke Restoration Technician)
- IICRC OCT (Odor Control Technician)
Our process
Inspection
Identify residue type, all affected materials, and HVAC contamination.
Source Removal
Eliminate soot and residue at the source before deodorization.
Treatment
Industrial deodorization with hydroxyl or ozone until air quality is verified clean.
Final Walkthrough
Air quality testing and walkthrough confirms results before closeout.
Frequently asked questions
- Is smoke damage covered by insurance?
- In most cases, yes. Smoke damage from a covered fire event is typically included, and many policies also cover smoke from a neighboring structure fire. Wildfire smoke coverage varies—we'll help you understand your policy and document everything for your carrier.
- How long does smoke remediation take?
- A small protein-residue event might be cleared in 3–5 days. A whole-home wildfire smoke event with HVAC decontamination can take 2–4 weeks depending on square footage and contamination level.
- Can you remove smoke smell from clothing and fabrics?
- Yes. Soft goods are inventoried, packed-out, and processed through our specialty cleaning facility using ozone chambers and odor-neutralizing wash cycles. Items that cannot be restored are documented for your claim.
- Will an air purifier handle this?
- Air purifiers can reduce airborne particulate but cannot remove residue bonded to walls, ductwork, and contents. They're a useful adjunct, not a substitute for source removal.
Disaster doesn't wait. Neither do we.
Every minute matters. Call now for immediate dispatch across Kitsap County and the Greater Puget Sound.
Call (360) 228-2220 — We Answer 24/7