Cleaning your home after wildfire smoke
When the smoke clears outside, fine particles are still settled inside. Here is how to clean them up without stirring them back into the air.
Why a smoky stretch needs a real clean
When wildfire smoke drifts over Reno, very fine particles make their way inside even with windows shut. They settle as a thin film on surfaces, collect in fabrics and get pulled through the HVAC system. Once the sky clears, that residue is still in the house, and the smoky smell can linger in soft furnishings.
When to start
Check that outdoor air quality has actually improved before you open windows to air the house out or start a big clean. Local air quality readings are published on AirNow. If you have asthma or another health condition, follow your doctor's advice about cleaning during or after smoke events.
Clean so you don't stir it back up
- Damp, not dry. Wipe hard surfaces with a damp microfiber cloth. Dry dusting and sweeping lift fine particles back into the air.
- Vacuum with a good filter. A vacuum with a HEPA filter traps fine particles instead of blowing them back out.
- Top to bottom. Ceiling fans, shelves and the tops of door frames first, then furniture, then floors.
- Mop hard floors after vacuuming.
Filters and air
- Replace the furnace or HVAC filter. It has been catching smoke particles and may be loaded.
- If you use a portable air purifier, check or replace its filter too.
- Once the outdoor air is good, open windows to air the house out.
Fabrics and soft furnishings
- Wash curtains, bedding, throws and removable cushion covers, following their care labels.
- Vacuum upholstered furniture and mattresses with an upholstery attachment.
- Lingering smells often fade as the air in the house is refreshed and fabrics are washed.
Surfaces people forget
- Window sills and tracks, which catch what comes in around the frames.
- Blinds, lampshades and light fixtures.
- Baseboards and door frames.
- Patio furniture and entry areas, so you don't track the residue back in.
Help after smoke season
A thorough post-smoke clean is a lot of detail work. A deep clean from Tracy's Tidy Homes covers everything in a standard clean plus baseboards, door frames and detailed bathroom scrubbing, and you can tell Tracy where you want the most time spent. She sees each home before giving a price. Request an estimate.
For keeping everyday dust down the rest of the year, see dust in a high-desert home.