Dealing with the after effects of fire actually goes beyond what can be seen: charred pieces of furniture or soot. A homeowner also needs to deal with the smoke odor. And at times, this can be even more difficult to remove since these can cling to surfaces that are hard to reach.
When the smell of smoke is caused by an accidental fire, the first things that should be removed from the room are generally the burned pieces of furniture, wood or other furnishings. This process however, may not always be safe to do on your own. It is best to assess the damage first. When you have ceiling, wall or other furnishings that are about to fall apart and may cause further accident, it is best to call professionals.
If the damage is minimal and you decide to do the cleanup and remove the smell of smoke by yourself, keep in mind a few things. It may not be an easy task and your success will depend on your perseverance and hard work. At times, it may take more than just one cleaning to get the job done. Additionally, your cleanup job may take you to other rooms that have not been primarily affected by the fire. It may also help if you have another able pair of hands to help you.
Aside from charred furniture or furnishings, soot may also be a source of smoke smell. Soot can primarily be found within the immediate vicinity of the fire: in surrounding walls and ceilings. One of the dry methods you can use is scrubbing surfaces clean with a special soot pretreated sponge. When there is only a small amount of soot, a solution of bleach and water may work as well.
Fabrics are another thing that you should focus your attention to when removing smoke odor in your home. Remove all curtains including those rooms which have not been primarily affected by the fire. A good wash with detergent and or fabric conditioner should be enough to remove the smell of smoke. Wash or send to professional cleaners your carpets and rugs as well.