Buzz
Smoke can cause significant damage to certain fabrics and surfaces.
AFP/Getty ImagesSmoke is no joke, whether caused by a burnt meal or a house fire. Use these tips to eliminate any evidence from your home surfaces.
The initial step in removing smoke stains is to identify the material that's been stained.
Here are the most common materials that can get smoke stains, along with instructions on how to remove smoke from each:
- Non-washable fibers such as Acetate, Synthetic or Wool Carpet, Fiberglass, Rayon, Silk, Triacetate, or Wool
- Washable fibers like Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, or Spandex
- Hard surfaces including Acrylic Plastic, Alabaster, Asphalt, Cork, Glass, Linoleum, Marble, Paint (flat or gloss), Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Vinyl Clothing, or Vinyl Wallcovering
- Masonry such as Bluestone, Brick, Masonry Tile, Sandstone, Slate, Terrazzo
- Leather or Suede
- Wood
Non-washable Fibers
Follow these guidelines to remove smoke stains from Acetate, Synthetic or Wool Carpet, Fiberglass, Rayon, Silk, Triacetate, and Wool:
Note: Fabrics or carpets with severe stains should be washed or professionally cleaned.
- For lighter stains, use a stain remover and flush the area with a dry-cleaning solvent, making sure not to spread the stain.
- Apply a dry spotter and cover with an absorbent pad moistened with the dry spotter.
- Check the stain every 5 minutes.
- Before changing the pads, press firmly on the stain.
- Continue alternating between soaking and pressing until no more stain is removed.
- Flush with the dry-cleaning solvent again and let dry.
- If the stain remains, apply a wet spotter with a few drops of ammonia (do not use ammonia on silk or wool).
- Cover with an absorbent pad dampened with the wet spotter.
- Let it sit as long as the stain continues to lift.
- Flush well with water.
- Repeat if necessary and allow to dry.
Washable Fibers
Follow these steps to remove smoke stains from Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, and Spandex:
Note: Fabrics with smoke residue from a fire are best cleaned through laundering or professional cleaning services.
- If the stain is small or immediate laundering isn't possible, flush the area with a dry-cleaning solvent like Afta Cleaning Fluid.
- Apply a dry spotter to the stain and cover with an absorbent pad dampened with the spotter.
- Regularly check the stain, tamping (a technique of lightly tapping the stain with a brush on durable fabrics) before replacing the pads.
- Continue alternating between soaking and tamping until the stain disappears.
- Flush with a dry-cleaning solvent and allow to dry.
- If the stain persists, repeat the process with a wet spotter and a few drops of ammonia.
- Ensure you flush the area well once the stain is lifted.
- Let dry and launder as soon as possible.
Hard Surfaces
Follow these instructions to remove smoke stains from Acrylic Plastic, Alabaster, Asphalt, Cork, Glass, Linoleum, Marble, Paint (both flat and gloss), Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Vinyl Clothing, and Vinyl Wallcovering:
- Clean the stained area by wiping it with a cloth soaked in warm soapy water.
- Rinse thoroughly with clear water and dry the area with a clean cloth.
Masonry
Use these steps to remove smoke stains from Bluestone, Brick, Masonry Tile, Sandstone, Slate, and Terrazzo:
- If the stain is small, try erasing as much smoke as possible with an art gum eraser.
- Combine 1/2 cup of all-purpose powdered cleaner with 1 gallon of water, and scrub the stain using a sponge dipped in the mixture.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all cleaning agents, then allow the surface to dry.
Leather or Suede
Use these steps to remove smoke stains from leather or suede:
- For light stains, prepare a solution of mild soap and lukewarm water.
- Agitate the mixture to create plenty of suds.
- Apply only the foam with a sponge to the affected area.
- Gently wipe the area dry using a clean, soft cloth.
- For leather, follow up with Tannery Vintage Leather Cleaner & Conditioner or Fiebing's Saddle Soap to condition the material.
Wood
To remove smoke stains from wood, follow these steps:
- Gently wipe the stained area with a cloth moistened with a solution of mild, soapy water.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and immediately dry the surface to prevent damage to finishes.
- Polish or apply wax as soon as possible to restore the finish.
