The Los Angeles County wildfires of January 2025 devastated Altadena and the Palisades, destroyed over 15,000 structures, and caused more than two dozen fatalities.
Thousands of residents were left homeless. LA County entered a state of shock.
Even the “lucky” ones whose homes and businesses remained standing faced the daunting task of recovery and removing smoke-borne toxins, soot, and ashes from their walls, ceilings, and floors.
What Causes Smoke Damage?
Smoke damage occurs when tiny soot particles and residue settle on your walls, ceilings, furniture, and belongings. These particles come from incomplete combustion during a fire or even from candles and cigarettes over time.
The impact of smoke damage depends on factors like the type of fire (grease fire, electrical fire, wood, or other materials), how long the smoke particles have been settling, and the surface they adhere to.
Unfortunately, smoke does more than stain — it often leaves odors and toxins that are hard to remove.
A wildfire rages near a California neighborhood.
Tools & Materials for DIY Cleaning
- Safety gear: Gloves, safety goggles, and a mask (preferably an N95)
- Ventilation fans: To ensure proper air circulation
- Soot sponge (dry cleaning sponge)
- White vinegar
- Trisodium phosphate (TSP) or a commercial soot cleaner
- Warm water
- Microfiber cloths or soft sponges
- Buckets
- Vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment
- Baking soda (optional for lingering odors)
- Paint primer (if needed for sealing stains)
- Paint and paintbrushes (if planning to repaint)
Keep the batteries of your smoke detectors charged. They may save your life!
Cleaning Smoke Damage from Ceilings & Walls
- Safety first: Before you begin, don your safety gear, turn off the electricity, and ensure proper ventilation.
- Remove loose debris: Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment or a dry cloth to gently remove any excess soot or debris from your walls, ceilings, and floors.
- Use a dry cleaning sponge: A soot sponge is made of natural rubber and can remove light smoke damage without water or chemicals. Rub the sponge over the affected areas until it soils, then trim off the dirty portion to keep using it.
- Prepare your cleaning solution: Mix warm water and trisodium phosphate (TSP) or a commercial soot cleaner according to the product instructions. For a gentler option, use white vinegar and warm water.
- Wash the walls and ceilings: Dip a microfiber cloth or soft sponge into the cleaning solution, wring it out well, and gently scrub the affected areas in small sections. Avoid soaking the surface since excess moisture can cause further damage or staining. Rinse the cloth or sponge frequently in clean water to prevent soot spreading.
- Tackle stubborn stains: You may need to repeat the cleaning process or use a stronger cleaner for areas with heavy staining. Be cautious with harsh chemicals, and always test on a small, inconspicuous area first.
- Deodorize with baking soda (optional): If smoke odors persist, sprinkle baking soda over affected floors or carpets, leave it for 24 hours, and vacuum thoroughly. You can also place bowls of baking soda around the room to absorb lingering odors.
- Seal and repaint if necessary: If stains or odors remain after cleaning, apply a stain-blocking primer to the walls and ceilings before repainting. This will seal any remaining residue and create a fresh surface for painting.
Years of smoking or burning sooty candles can leave unsightly stains on walls and ceilings.
Cleaning Smoke Damage from Carpet & Upholstery
- Vacuum first: Use an upholstery attachment to remove any loose debris from carpets, furniture, and upholstery.
- Spot clean stains: Mix warm water and a small amount of mild detergent or white vinegar. Dip a soft cloth into the mixture and gently dab at any visible stains on carpets or furniture. Avoid rubbing the stain, which can spread it.
- Steam clean carpets (optional): If your carpet has significant smoke damage, consider renting or hiring a professional steam cleaner for a thorough deep cleaning.
- Deodorize with baking soda (optional): For lingering odors in carpets or upholstery, sprinkle baking soda over the affected areas, leave it for 24 hours, and vacuum thoroughly.
Special Tips & Instructions
- Act quickly: The sooner you begin cleaning after the smoke damage occurs, the better the results will be. Soot and odors become harder to remove over time.
- Work in small sections: This helps maintain control over the cleaning process and ensures thorough results.
- Protect unaffected areas: Use plastic sheets or tarps to cover furniture, floors, or other areas that aren’t damaged by smoke, preventing contamination during the cleaning process.
- Consider professional help: If the damage is extensive, or you can’t remove stubborn stains and odors, consult a professional cleaning service specializing in smoke damage restoration.
This is a cleanup job for the pros. You can do only so much DIY!
FAQs: Cleaning Smoke Damage
Q: How do you remove smoke damage from painted walls?
Use a dry-cleaning sponge to lift soot stains, followed by warm water and vinegar for light stains. TSP is effective for heavier damage. Rinse thoroughly and repaint if needed.
Q: Can smoke damage be harmful to your health?
Yes. Smoke damage contains tiny soot particles and toxins that, with prolonged exposure, can harm your respiratory system. Always wear protective gear while cleaning.
Q: What’s the best way to remove smoke odors?
White vinegar and baking soda are excellent odor neutralizers. For persistent smells, try a commercial odor eliminator or an ozone generator.
Q: Should I call in a professional cleaning service?
Professional services are your best option if the damage is extensive (e.g., after a fire). The pros have advanced tools and expertise to clean and restore your property.
Q: Can I use regular household cleaners for smoke damage?
While household cleaners like vinegar work for light stains, heavy smoke damage may require stronger solutions like TSP or commercial soot cleaners.
Q: How long does it take to clean smoke damage?
Mild smoke damage may take a few hours to clean, whereas extensive damage could take days or require professional attention.
Q: Does insurance cover smoke damage cleaning?
Homeowner’s insurance often covers smoke damage repairs after a fire, but check your policy.
Q: How do I prevent smoke damage in the future?
Clean areas exposed to smoke regularly and use air purifiers to filter out harmful particles.