The Pacific Palisades/Altadena fires have left behind more than scorched landscapes and emotional trauma—they’ve left an invisible and invasive residue that can linger long after the last embers are extinguished: smoke odor.
If your home was even lightly affected by wildfire smoke, you're likely already familiar with that persistent smell that seems to cling to every surface. This odor isn't just unpleasant—it's a sign of potentially harmful particulates and chemical residues that have infiltrated your home. Addressing it isn’t just about comfort; it’s about safety and preserving your home’s value.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps of effective residential smoke odor removal, tailored specifically for homeowners in Pacific Palisades and the surrounding areas. From HVAC system cleaning to ozone treatment and professional deodorization, we’ll explain what works, what doesn’t, and when it’s time to call in the pros. 
Understanding Smoke Damage in the Aftermath of Wildfires
Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand why smoke is so difficult to remove.
Wildfire smoke contains a complex mix of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and fine particulate matter. These microscopic particles can infiltrate porous materials like drywall, carpeting, insulation, furniture, and HVAC systems. Once inside, they cling, spread, and continue to emit odor—even weeks or months later.
Homes in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, known for their open layouts and premium materials, can be particularly vulnerable to lingering odors. Wooden beams, designer fabrics, and expansive HVAC systems all act like sponges for smoke.
Step 1: Ventilate—But Only When It’s Safe
Initial action: Open windows and doors only when the outside air quality is safe.
Check local air quality reports before ventilating your home. If the air is still smoky, opening up your home can worsen contamination. Use HEPA air purifiers with activated carbon filters during this phase to begin capturing particulates and odors.
Tip: Use a box fan facing outward in one window to help push contaminated air out while drawing in cleaner air through another window across the room.
Step 2: Deep Clean Every Surface
Once ventilation is possible, it’s time to clean every exposed and porous surface:
Hard Surfaces
- Wipe down walls, ceilings, and countertops with a mild detergent or specialized smoke residue cleaner.
- Wash all windows and window screens, which often trap soot.
- Don’t forget ceiling fans and lighting fixtures—smoke rises and often settles on high surfaces.
Soft Surfaces
- Wash curtains, rugs, and removable upholstery in hot water where possible.
- Use enzyme-based odor eliminators (not just air fresheners) on fabrics.
- For items that can’t be washed, consider sending them to a professional cleaner who specializes in smoke damage.
- If items hold high sentimental or monetary value, it is best to leave those to a professional as incorrect cleaning may further damage the item, sometimes resulting in the inability to restore the article to its pre-loss condition.
Floors
- Shampoo carpets and steam-clean tile or hardwood floors.
- Replace air filters in vacuums and use HEPA filtration if possible.
Step 3: Don’t Forget the HVAC System
One of the biggest oversights in smoke odor removal is the HVAC system. If your central air was running during or after the fire, your ductwork could be saturated with smoke residue.
Why It Matters
As soon as the system runs, it can recirculate smoky air, re-contaminating your clean spaces.
What to Do
- Replace all air filters, preferably with high-efficiency HEPA filters.
- Schedule a professional HVAC cleaning, including ductwork, coils, and air handlers.
- Consider having your system inspected for smoke-related corrosion or mechanical wear.
Step 4: Ozone and Hydroxyl Treatments
For homes with moderate to severe odor, simple cleaning may not be enough. This is where odor-neutralizing technologies come in.
Ozone Treatment
Ozone (O₃) is a powerful oxidizer that breaks down odor molecules. If needed, we may use ozone generators in a sealed home for several hours to days, depending on the severity.
Pros:
- Highly effective at neutralizing smoke odors in air and porous materials.
- Penetrates hard-to-reach places.
Cons:
- Ozone is hazardous to breathe, so all people and pets must vacate during treatment.
- Requires trained professionals to apply safely and effectively.
Hydroxyl Generators
These devices use UV light to produce hydroxyl radicals, which neutralize odors in a more gradual but safer process.
Pros:
- Safe to use while people and pets are present.
- Ideal for homes with children or elderly residents.
Cons:
- May take longer than ozone to fully neutralize heavy odors.
Step 5: Seal and Repaint (If Needed)
In some cases, surfaces—especially walls and ceilings—may still emit odor after cleaning. Smoke particles can become embedded beneath the paint layer.
Solution:
- Seal affected surfaces with an odor-blocking primer, such as Kilz Restoration or Zinsser B-I-N.
- Repaint using low-VOC paints to maintain indoor air quality.
This approach traps remaining odors and creates a fresh, clean surface for your living space.
Step 6: Know When to Call in the Experts
While DIY methods are great for minor exposure, there are cases where professional help is essential. Pacific Palisades homes often include valuable furnishings, high-end finishes, and HVAC systems that require specialized care.
Signs You Need Professional Smoke Odor Removal:
- The smell persists after extensive cleaning.
- There’s visible soot in ductwork or insulation.
- You or your family members are experiencing respiratory issues or headaches indoors.
- Your insurance requires documentation of professional restoration for claims.
Why DIY Methods Often Fall Short
The internet is full of DIY odor remedies—baking soda, vinegar, candles—but they rarely solve the root problem. Here's why:
- They mask, not eliminate. Most home remedies only cover up the smell temporarily.
- They can spread particulates. Improper cleaning (like using a regular vacuum without a HEPA filter) can disperse smoke particles even further.
- They lack penetration. Deep-embedded odors in drywall, subfloors, and ducts require specialized equipment to reach and remove.
Working with a Local Restoration Expert
Choosing a local restoration professional has unique benefits in a community like Pacific Palisades:
- Familiarity with local conditions. Experts understand the unique wildfire patterns and building materials used in the area.
- Faster response time. Quick action is key to reducing long-term damage.
- Insurance coordination. Many LA-based restoration companies are experienced in working directly with insurance providers.
Prevention Tips for the Future
Wildfires are unfortunately becoming more frequent in Southern California. Here’s how to be better prepared next time:
- Install smoke-sealing weather stripping around doors and windows.
- Upgrade HVAC filters to MERV 13 or higher.
- Use portable air purifiers with activated carbon and HEPA filtration.
- Keep an emergency air quality plan to know when to seal up your home or evacuate.
Final Thoughts
Recovering from wildfire smoke damage from Pacific Palisades to Altadena is a challenging process, but it’s absolutely manageable with the right approach. Prioritize air quality, don’t skip the HVAC system, and understand when expert help is needed. Your home is your sanctuary—restoring it after a fire isn’t just about removing an odor, it’s about reclaiming peace of mind.
If you're unsure where to start or need a trusted local team to assess your home, reach out to a certified smoke damage restoration professional today. The sooner you act, the better your results—and your air—will be.
Need Help Now?
If your Pacific Palisades or Altadena home still smells like smoke days or weeks after the fire, it’s time to bring in experts. It’s time to contact ServiceMaster EMT.
