Wildfire smoke cleanup

Smoke season in the Sound

August and September smoke events push fine particulate and odor into houses through open windows, gaps and ventilation. Most houses need filtration and airing out. Houses with visible ash on sills and surfaces, grey HVAC filters and odor that persists need the same sequence as a small fire: ducts, surfaces, textiles, filtration and odor treatment.

What the cleanup involves

HVAC shut down and the duct system cleaned, filters replaced and the old filter kept as evidence; HEPA vacuuming and wet cleaning of surfaces including inside cabinets and closets; drapes, upholstery, bedding and rugs processed; hydroxyl or fogging after cleaning; filtration until the air clears.

Documenting it

Photographs of deposits, the filter, wipe tests, and the dates of the smoke event. Coverage for wildfire smoke is less settled than for a neighbor's fire; a scope in the carrier's format and clear evidence of deposits is what supports a claim.

Prevention

MERV 13 filters, portable HEPA units, windows closed and gaps sealed during events.

What to expect

How it runs

Assess deposits

Ash and particulate on surfaces, in registers and on the HVAC filter, with wipe tests to show extent.

Assessment

Ducts and filters

The duct system cleaned and filters replaced; the filter kept as evidence.

Day one

Surfaces

HEPA vacuuming and wet cleaning of horizontal surfaces, windowsills, inside cabinets and closets.

Days one to two

Textiles and soft goods

Drapes, upholstery, bedding and rugs processed.

Following days

Odor

Hydroxyl or fogging after cleaning, filtration run until air clears.

Final

FAQ

Questions homeowners ask us

Is wildfire smoke covered by insurance?

Smoke from a hostile fire is generally a covered peril, and many Washington carriers have paid wildfire infiltration claims where there were soot and ash deposits. Odor or air quality alone is less settled. Photograph deposits and keep the HVAC filter; file promptly and ask your adjuster directly.

Do I need professional cleaning after a smoke event?

If ash is visible on surfaces, the HVAC filter is grey after days, or odor persists after airing out, the ducts and soft goods hold it and professional cleaning is what removes it. Light haze with no deposits often clears with filtration and ventilation.

How do I keep it out next time?

MERV 13 filters on the HVAC, portable HEPA units, windows closed during events, and sealing obvious gaps. The crew can point out the entry points it finds.

Open now

Crews respond 24/7

One call reaches a Washington-registered fire restoration contractor serving Seattle and the Puget Sound region. $0 upfront on covered claims; your insurer is billed directly.

(844) 543-5757 Text a photo

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