Wildfire Smoke Cleanup: A Guide for Los Angeles Homeowners

A home does not have to burn to be damaged by a wildfire. Smoke, soot and ash travel far and get into attics, air ducts, fabrics and furniture. The Eaton and Palisades fires in January 2025 showed how widely smoke and ash can spread across LA neighborhoods.

Safety first

• Follow official guidance and wait until authorities say it is safe to return.
• Wear an N95 respirator, gloves, long sleeves and eye protection when handling ash.
• Keep children and pets away from ash until it is cleaned up.
• Do not use leaf blowers or dry sweeping on ash. It sends fine particles back into the air.

Signs of smoke damage

• Smoke odor that comes back after airing out the house
• Gray or black film on walls, ceilings, window sills and vents
• Discolored fabrics, carpets or HVAC filters
• Ash in the attic, garage or around window and door frames

What you can do yourself

1. Document everything with photos and video before cleaning, for your insurance claim.
2. Replace HVAC filters and keep the system off until ducts are checked.
3. Gently mist and wipe light ash from hard outdoor surfaces, and keep runoff out of storm drains where possible.
4. Wash bedding and clothes with light smoke odor.
5. Throw away food, medicine and cosmetics that were exposed to smoke or heat.

When to call a professional

• Odor stays after a few days of airing out
• Soot on walls, ceilings or furniture (wiping it wrong can smear and set it)
• Ash or soot in the attic or air ducts
• Damage to many rooms, electronics or valuables

Professional cleanup uses dry soot sponges, HEPA vacuums, specialized cleaners, air scrubbers and deodorization to remove residue and odor instead of covering it up.

Insurance tips

• Most homeowner policies cover smoke damage, even without flames reaching the house. Check your policy and call your insurer.
• Keep receipts for cleaning supplies, hotel stays and replacement items.
• Ask for a written scope of the cleanup work for your adjuster.

How 77 Rapid Restore helps

We clean smoke, soot and ash from homes and businesses across the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles, including contents cleaning, odor removal and repairs. We are licensed, bonded and insured, IICRC-certified, and we bill your insurance company directly.

Open 7 days, 8 AM–5 PM. Emergency? Call (747) 281-3872.

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