If you can, hire a pro. A log home restoration specialist will be able to assess the situation, perform any media blasting, and get rid of most of the smell in a timely and efficient manner.
If you want to do the work yourself, here’s what to do:
- Is there a clear coat on the surface? If so, remove it. Sanding is usually want you’ll have to do. Most of the smell will be in the coating, not the wood, so removing the coating will help.
- Clean as many surfaces as possible. This includes walls, floors, ceilings, inside cabinets and ductwork, etc. (Smoke goes EVERYWHERE!) Clean with TSP or a vinegar/water solution, followed by rinsing. This will be time consuming, but is doable.
- Consider using an ozone generator to help get rid of the smell. It’s effective, but only while the home is unoccupied. It often costs about the same to rent one as it does to buy one.
No matter what, there will still be at least a little odor, on occasion, that is still detectable. There are some areas where smoke can get to that can’t really be cleaned. AC/Heating ductwork is often a big one.
Once surfaces have been sanded or blasted and cleaned, follow with the finish of your choice.
It is a LOT of work to get rid of smoke, but it CAN be done!
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