Smoke and lingering odors are some of the most challenging issues to tackle after a fire or heavy smoke exposure. Whether from a house fire, kitchen mishap, or even years of cigarette use, smoke penetrates deep into surfaces and leaves behind a stubborn, unhealthy environment.
At IG Restoration, we specialize in professional smoke and odor removal services for Texas homeowners and businesses. If you’re wondering what happens during a restoration project, this article will walk you through the step-by-step process of how professionals eliminate smoke damage and restore clean air.
Why Is Smoke and Odor Removal So Important?
Smoke particles are incredibly fine — they settle into walls, ceilings, insulation, carpeting, and HVAC systems. Along with a strong smell, smoke contains harmful chemicals that can irritate the lungs, trigger allergies, and damage household materials over time.
Attempting DIY smoke cleanup is rarely effective. It usually masks the odor temporarily while the contaminants continue to cause harm beneath the surface.
Our Proven 7-Step Process to Smoke & Odor Removal
Here’s how IG Restoration restores your home or business to a clean, fresh, and safe environment:
1. On-Site Inspection & Damage Assessment
Our team begins with a thorough inspection of your property to:
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Identify the source of the smoke and type of smoke residue (wet, dry, protein-based, etc.)
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Evaluate affected areas and surfaces
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Determine the best restoration method based on severity
We create a custom remediation plan tailored to your specific situation.
2. Safety & Containment Setup
We seal off affected zones to prevent further contamination during the cleanup. This includes:
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Installing containment barriers
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Setting up negative air pressure systems
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Wearing protective gear to maintain safety
3. Removal of Damaged Materials
Any severely burned or smoke-saturated materials (like drywall, insulation, or carpeting) are safely removed and properly disposed of. This step clears out materials that cannot be salvaged and reduces the source of lingering odor.
4. Deep Cleaning and Soot Removal
We clean all surfaces using specialized techniques and equipment:
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Dry sponging and HEPA vacuuming for delicate areas
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Soda or media blasting for structural materials
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Chemical sponges and degreasers for soot removal
This ensures even hidden or embedded soot is eliminated.
5. Air Scrubbing and Filtration
Industrial-grade air scrubbers with HEPA filters are placed throughout the property to:
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Trap airborne smoke particles
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Filter out odors
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Improve indoor air quality
This process usually runs for 24–72 hours depending on severity.
6. Thermal Fogging & Odor Neutralization
We use powerful thermal foggers that release a deodorizing vapor, which penetrates materials the same way smoke did. This neutralizes odors at the molecular level rather than just masking them.
Additional methods may include:
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Hydroxyl generators
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Ozone treatments
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Encapsulation (sealing in odors)
7. Final Cleaning & Restoration
Once the air is clean and all traces of smoke are gone, we finish with:
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Deep sanitization of all areas
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Repainting and refinishing
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HVAC cleaning (if necessary)
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Final quality check to ensure the odor is completely gone
Let IG Restoration Handle the Hard Work
Smoke damage requires more than just cleaning — it requires expertise, technology, and attention to detail.
At IG Restoration, we’ve helped families and businesses across Texas breathe clean air again after fire and smoke disasters. Our team is available 24/7 to respond, inspect, and restore your space quickly and professionally.
Need Immediate Help?
📞 Call IG Restoration at 214-680-4495
💬 Book a service today — We’re available 24/7/365 across Texas.