The smell of smoke after a house fire can be a persistent and unpleasant reminder of the traumatic event. However, it is essential to consider whether this smell poses any health risks.
In this article, we will explore the potential harm associated with the smell of smoke after a house fire and provide guidance on how to effectively remove it.
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How long does burnt smell last in a house?
The burnt smell in a house can last for several weeks or even months if not properly addressed. The duration of the smell depends on various factors, including the intensity of the burn, the type of materials involved, and the ventilation of the house. Here are some general guidelines:
Kitchen Smoke
Kitchen smoke from burnt food can last for several days to a week if not properly ventilated. Opening windows and using fans can help to dissipate the smell more quickly.
Small Fires
The smell can last several weeks if a small fire occurs in a house. This is because smoke particles can penetrate deep into fabrics, carpets, and walls, making it difficult to remove the odour completely.
Large Fires
In the case of a large fire, the smell can last for several months or even years if not properly cleaned and restored. This is because the smoke particles can be deeply embedded in the structure of the house, requiring specialised cleaning and restoration techniques to remove.
Is the Smoke Smell After a Fire Harmful?
The smell of smoke after a fire is not just a nuisance; it can also be harmful to one’s health. Smoke contains various toxic chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter, and other pollutants. These substances can cause respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and even long-term health problems if not properly addressed.
Short-Term Health Effects
- Respiratory Issues: Inhaling smoke particles and VOCs can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
- Allergic Reactions: Exposure to smoke can trigger allergic reactions, such as skin rashes, itching, and hives.
Long-Term Health Effects
- Cancer Risk: Prolonged exposure to smoke can increase the risk of certain types of cancer, including lung cancer.
- Cardiovascular Problems: Exposure to smoke has been linked to cardiovascular disease, as it can increase blood pressure and reduce blood flow to the heart.
Removing Smoke Smell After a House Fire
To mitigate the health risks of smoke smell, it is important to remove the smell effectively. Here are some steps to follow:
- Ventilation: Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate and help dissipate the smoke smell.
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean all surfaces, including walls, floors, and furniture, using a mixture of soap and water.
- Odour Neutralisers: Use odour-neutralising products like baking soda or activated charcoal to absorb and eliminate the smoke smell. More on that later.
Baking soda method
Baking soda is considered a natural and inexpensive method for eliminating odours, including those caused by the smoke of a fire. Its chemical compound, known as sodium bicarbonate, is able to absorb and neutralise odours.
For best results, sprinkle baking soda on affected surfaces or mix with water to create a paste to rub on to walls. You can also put baking soda in bowls and put it around the rooms. Make sure to use a spoon to mix up baking soda as its top layer will be absorbing odours.
It is worth noting that baking soda is not a disinfectant, so additional methods may be required to clean and sanitise surfaces affected by fire smoke.
Baking soda is readily available from most supermarkets. Often found in washing up aisle as it is used to descale and cleanse in a washing machine. At the time of writing, DP Soda Crystals cost £2.35 from Morrisons for one KG bag.
Activated charcoals can also be used to remove the smell of a house fire
Activated charcoals are made from carbon and treated with oxygen to enhance their absorbent properties and are effective at absorbing various odours, including those caused by fire smoke. Here are some practical tips for using activated charcoals to remove the smell of a fire in your home:
- Activated charcoals can be purchased in tablets, bags, or as a loose powder from likes of Amazon; however, as it is also used as a food supplement (not that we recommend this), it works out quite expensive at £20 per kilogram so you might be better off buying baking soda instead.
- Place the activated charcoals in strategic locations throughout the house. Activated charcoals work best when placed in most affected areas, so if it is safe to do so, open the windows to allow the house to ventilate. Place your activated charcoals in bowls or hang them in mesh bags.
- Activate charcoals will need several days or weeks to produce results, so don’t expect results overnight. It is also a good idea to replace it once it is no longer effective. If you are using it in a powder form, use a spoon to mix it up so that it remains effective.
Would you sell your fire damaged property as it is?
Following a fire, it is best to contact your insurance company to make a claim, and once your claim is settled, you might be wondering if you can fix a burned house. This would be a huge undertaking to repair your home, but not for everyone, particularly if you have a full-time job or a growing family.
Did you know that once your insurance company has written off your home, you are free to sell your fire damaged home, and buy a new one?
Even if you were uninsured or your policy doesn’t cover you for fire, we are here to help.
Property Saviour specialises in buying all sorts of properties, including fire-damaged properties. We will make you a cash offer and complete the purchase within 10 working days or quicker.
We will also pay £1,500 towards your legal fees. Why not call us on 0113 320 6700 now? We are open 9am to 5pm Monday to Sunday.
Sell with certainty & speed
Why Property Saviour?
Here’s why sellers sell to us:
Property Saviour Price Promise
- The price we’ll offer is the price that you will receive with no hidden deductions.
- Be careful with ‘cash buyers’ who require a valuation needed for a mortgage or bridging loan.
- These valuations or surveys result in delays and price reductions later on.
- We are cash buyers. There are no surveys.
- We always provide proof of funds with every formal offer issued.
We'll Pay £1,500 Towards Your Legal Fees
- No long exclusivity agreement to sign because we are the buyers.
- You are welcome to use your own solicitor.
- If you don’t have one, we can ask our solicitors for recommendations.
- We share our solicitor’s details and issue a Memorandum of Sale.
Sell With Certainty & Speed
- Our approach is transparent and ethical, which is why sellers trust us.
- 100% Discretion guaranteed.
- If you have another buyer, you can put us in a contracts race to see who completes first.
- Complete in 10 days or at a timescale that works for you. You are in control.
