Smoke Damage Cleanup and Smoke Odor Removal in San Diego

The smell lives in residue, not in the air. Tiny smoke particles settle on walls, ceilings, cabinets, the inside of closets and HVAC ducts, and they soak into porous materials like drywall, insulation, carpet and upholstery. Until that residue is cleaned or the affected material is removed, the odor keeps returning, especially on warm days.

• A gray or yellow film on walls and ceilings, often darker above outlets, vents and light fixtures
• Black "ghosting" lines along ceiling corners or around picture frames
• A smoke smell that is strongest in closets, cabinets or when the AC or heater runs
• Discolored grout, blinds or plastic fixtures
• Soot or ash around window and door frames after a wildfire

1. Free inspection. We find where smoke reached and what kind of residue it left (dry smoke, wet smoke from plastics, or protein residue from burned food).
2. Protect the rest of the home. We set up air filtration with HEPA air scrubbers and keep the HVAC off until it's assessed.
3. Clean the residue. Dry-cleaning sponges, HEPA vacuuming or wet cleaning, matched to the residue so it doesn't smear deeper.
4. Remove what can't be cleaned. Drywall, insulation or other porous materials that absorbed heavy smoke are removed by our own crew.
5. Deodorize at the source. We treat the remaining odor and seal affected framing before anything is rebuilt.
6. Check the result. We walk the rooms with you before we close out the job.

The work is led by an IICRC Odor Control Technician (OCT) and Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT).

Protein residue from burned food is almost invisible but leaves the strongest smell and yellows paint and cabinets. It needs specific cleaning. Wiping it with an all-purpose cleaner usually spreads it. Even a small stovetop fire is worth an inspection if the smell lasts more than a day or two.

Homes near canyons and open space in San Diego County can get ash and smoke inside without any flames reaching the house: through vents, attic openings, gaps around windows and the HVAC system. Don't sweep or vacuum ash with a household vacuum, because it spreads the finest particles. Change your HVAC filter and keep the system off until the ducts and registers are checked.

Many California homeowners policies cover sudden smoke damage, including smoke from a nearby fire or wildfire. Your adjuster confirms coverage for your claim. We document the damage with photos and a written scope from the first visit and can work directly with your insurer. If the damage is small, we give you a price first so you can choose whether to file a claim.

• Keep the HVAC system off and replace the filter before running it again.
• Don't wipe soot with water or household cleaners.
• Wash or dry-clean clothing and bedding separately; heavy smoke odor in textiles often needs professional cleaning.
• Ventilate when outdoor air quality allows.
• Photograph affected rooms before cleaning anything if you might file a claim.