Q&A for How to Clean Smoke Damage

While you're going to start by cleaning soot and smoke with soap and water or an all-purpose cleaner, that won't always get rid of the smell. I recommend trying something stronger and more up to the task, like an enzyme treatment, which is a natural, biologically-activated product that will eat away at the remaining residue.

To clean smoke damage from dishes, try using a cleaner that contains bleach.

To remove smoke, residue, or other imperfections from brass, I recommend using brass polish.

Soak the dishes in very hot water mixed with liquid laundry bluing. Bluing can be found in the dish washing area of your local grocery or hardware store.

It depends. As long as there is no calcium carbonate component (ie: limestone, chalk, marble, travertine, tufa, etc.), you should be fine. safe. Any calcium and calcium carbonate-based materials dissolve when they come in contact with acids, including vinegar.

If your oven is badly burned, you may have to scrape the burn off, but that can chip the oven wall. Otherwise, scrub the burn and ashes off.

Use a 3:1 mixture of vinegar and water (3 parts vinegar, 1 part water). Mix it together in a spray bottle. Spray it on and use a paper towel to wipe it off. The smell of vinegar will dissipate.

Over a few 100 years of constant exposure, yes, also if the smoke is hot, or if it has nowhere to go and is stuck touching the concrete. Other than that it will just leave smoky marks that can be washed away.

Mr. Muscle will do the trick. Spray it directly on the smoke damaged area, leave it for about 15 seconds, then wipe it off.

Try bleach, it is very effective. If you don't want to use bleach, Windex is a good alternative.

Clean with soap and water for a more long lasting effect. You could use Febreze, but it'd wear off real quick.

Yes, if the insurance company assessor has determined this is needed, then you can be assured that the drywall has been ruined. Be pleased that they've done the right thing by pointing out a defect that could harm your health and well-being.