Question

We had afire in our laundry room yesterday. It was isolated to one extremely overloaded washer and involved the motor and belt. My question is, how do I get the smell out of the room? I have been venting it since the fire.

Answer 1

I'm sorry to hear about the fire in your laundry room. Getting rid of the lingering smell after a fire can be a challenging task, but there are steps you can take to help eliminate the odor. Here are some suggestions:

1. Air circulation: Continue to ventilate the room by opening windows and using fans to promote airflow. This will help fresh air circulate and carry away the odor.

2. Deep cleaning: Thoroughly clean all surfaces in the room, including walls, floors, and any affected items. Use a mild detergent or a specialized smoke odor neutralizer to clean surfaces and remove the smell. Pay close attention to areas directly affected by the fire, such as the washer, motor, and belt, as they may require extra cleaning.

3. Fabric treatment: Launder any fabric items that were exposed to the fire, such as curtains, towels, or clothing, using a strong detergent and an odor-eliminating additive. If the odor persists, you may need to repeat the washing process or consider professional dry cleaning for certain items.

4. Upholstery and carpeting: If your laundry room has upholstery or carpeting, they may have absorbed the odor. Use a fabric-safe odor neutralizer or baking soda to sprinkle over the surfaces and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming thoroughly. For stubborn odors, you might consider professional cleaning services for deep extraction and deodorization.

5. Absorbent materials: Place bowls of baking soda or activated charcoal in the room to help absorb lingering odors. These materials can help neutralize the smell over time.

6. Ozone generator or air purifier: Consider using an ozone generator or an air purifier with an activated carbon filter to help eliminate the odor. Ozone generators should be used with caution and according to the manufacturer's instructions, as they can be harmful to humans and pets if not used properly.

7. Professional assistance: If the smell persists despite your efforts, it might be beneficial to seek professional help from a fire restoration or odor remediation specialist. They have the expertise and equipment to effectively treat and eliminate stubborn smoke odors.

Remember, safety should always be a priority when dealing with fire-related incidents. If you have any concerns about the condition of your laundry room or any lingering risks, it's best to consult with professionals or the appropriate authorities before attempting any further actions.