That Smell Isn’t Going Anywhere Without the Right Help
Even a small fire in your Marysville home, whether it started in the kitchen or the garage, can leave behind a surprising amount of damage. Once the flames are out, many homeowners are left staring at blackened walls, breathing in that stubborn smoky smell, and wondering what to do next.
In Snohomish County, moisture in the air adds an extra challenge. Smoke particles cling more easily to surfaces when the air is humid, making odor and soot harder to remove. If you’re walking around your home trying to scrub away stains or open windows just to get a breath of fresh air, you’re not alone.
At ServiceMaster by SRS, we’ve helped countless homeowners in Marysville, Lakewood, and Sunnyside recover after a fire. Here are some important tips for dealing with smoke damage, and what you should avoid doing to prevent further harm.
The First 24 Hours Matter More Than You Think
After a fire, your first instinct might be to start cleaning immediately, but hold off. Smoke and soot are tricky and can easily spread or worsen with the wrong approach. Acting quickly matters, but so does acting correctly.
Here’s what you should do right away:
- Open windows and ventilate the space if it’s safe to do so
- Turn off HVAC systems to prevent soot from spreading through ducts
- Use fans or air purifiers with HEPA filters if available
- Contact a professional smoke damage restoration team as soon as possible
And here’s what you shouldn’t do:
- Don’t touch or wipe soot-covered surfaces
- Don’t wash painted walls, furniture, or textiles without guidance
- Don’t use standard vacuum cleaners or wet cloths
The longer soot sits, the more acidic it becomes, especially in our damp Pacific Northwest air. That moisture in the environment can speed up corrosion, discoloration, and even structural weakening. Every hour counts, so fast, informed action makes a big difference.
Why Your House Still Smells Like Smoke (Even Weeks Later)
If it’s been days or even weeks since the fire and your home still smells like smoke, you’re not imagining it. Smoke has a sneaky way of working into every porous surface it touches. That includes drywall, carpet, upholstery, wooden beams, insulation, and even subfloors.
Off-the-shelf sprays or scented candles might mask the odor for a short time, but they don’t address the source. Smoke particles are microscopic and require professional-grade methods to eliminate fully.
At ServiceMaster by SRS, we use advanced tools such as:
- Thermal fogging, which neutralizes odor at the molecular level
- Ozone treatments, effective for deeply embedded smoke particles
- Air scrubbers with HEPA filtration to clean indoor air
These treatments don’t just cover up the smell, they remove it entirely. So if you’re still catching whiffs of smoke weeks after the fire, it’s time to go beyond air fresheners.
Soot Isn’t Just Dirt, It’s a Toxic Residue
It’s easy to look at black smudges on your walls and think you can wipe them away with soap and water. But soot isn’t just a mess, it’s potentially hazardous.
Depending on what burned, soot may contain chemicals from:
- Plastic and synthetic materials
- Treated wood
- Paint, sealants, and adhesives
- Household cleaners or automotive fluids stored in garages
Soot exposure can irritate your lungs, skin, and eyes. Trying to clean it without proper personal protective equipment can do more harm than good. Even worse, soot can enter your home’s ductwork and HVAC system, spreading invisible toxins throughout the house.
Professional restoration teams are trained to handle these risks safely and thoroughly, with the right equipment and cleaning agents designed for fire-related contamination.
Surface vs. Structural Damage — How to Tell the Difference
Not all smoke damage is visible. Some signs may appear right away, like soot marks or discolored ceilings. But other damage can be hidden deep inside your walls or behind cabinets, only showing up weeks later as odors return or stains resurface.
Watch for these signs of deeper structural smoke damage:
- Peeling or bubbling paint
- Persistent smoke odor despite cleaning
- Brown or yellow stains that reappear
- Dark patches that spread or feel oily
At ServiceMaster by SRS, we provide detailed inspections to determine how far smoke has penetrated. Our tools allow us to test behind surfaces so we can recommend the right level of cleaning or repair.
Cleaning Up, What You Can Do Yourself (and What You Shouldn’t)
You don’t have to sit on the sidelines entirely. There are a few safe steps homeowners can take while waiting for professionals, but it’s equally important to know where the line is.
Safe tasks for homeowners include:
- Ventilating the home and running HEPA air purifiers
- Taking photos of all affected areas for insurance purposes
- Removing undamaged valuables from smoke-affected rooms
- Laying down tarps or coverings to prevent further soot tracking
Leave these jobs to trained professionals:
- Cleaning electronics, appliances, and delicate items
- Removing soot from insulation or attic spaces
- Handling water-damaged areas where soot and moisture mix
- Inspecting or repairing HVAC systems and ducts
Attempting to clean these materials without the right approach can permanently damage them or push soot deeper into surfaces.
Marysville Homes Have Their Own Set of Risks
Here in Marysville, many homes are built with wood framing and other porous materials that absorb smoke quickly. Add in our consistently damp weather and you’ve got the perfect conditions for lingering odors and mold if cleanup isn’t done properly.
Homes near Lakewood or along Sunnyside Boulevard may also be affected by proximity to moisture-rich environments, which can worsen post-fire damage. If parts of the home were waterlogged by fire suppression efforts, that moisture can combine with soot to form corrosive residues that eat away at surfaces over time.
At ServiceMaster by SRS, we understand the specific challenges of Snohomish County homes. Our restoration approach is tailored to the region’s climate, housing materials, and even the layout of local neighborhoods. We don’t just clean up, we help you rebuild with peace of mind.
Don’t Let Smoke Damage Linger — Call ServiceMaster by SRS Today
When smoke and soot enter your home, time is not on your side. The longer you wait, the harder the cleanup and the bigger the risks to your health, belongings, and structure.
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a fire, call ServiceMaster by SRS for expert help. We provide fast, safe, and thorough smoke damage restoration, helping Marysville homeowners return to clean, healthy homes as soon as possible.
