Smoke, soot and fireplace odor in carpet and upholstery
Smoke is oily particulate. It needs a degreaser, not a deodorizer.
Smoke residue — from a fireplace, a kitchen fire, cigarettes or a wildfire season — is oily, fine particulate that bonds to fabric and carpet fiber and carries the smell. Air fresheners cover it for a day. Removing it means removing the residue.
Carpet and upholstery get an alkaline degreaser pre-spray, real dwell time, and hot water extraction. Two passes are normal for heavy smoke. Wool and natural fibers hold smoke hardest and may need an extra treatment.
Soot
Soot from a fireplace puff-back or a candle is dry and greasy at the same time. Do not wet it first; it smears. Vacuum it with a HEPA tool, use a dry chemical sponge to lift what remains, then wet-clean the fiber.
Whole-house smoke
If the whole house smells, the ductwork is holding the residue and re-circulating it. Clean the ducts and blower first, then the soft goods, then change the filter. Cigarette smoke in a rental usually also requires washing walls and sealing them before paint, which is a painter's job.
Need it handled?
Sectionals, sofas, recliners and dining chairs cleaned by fabric type, not with one setting for everything. Upholstery Cleaning · (206) 434-0779
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