Restoration logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Restoration logo
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
    • New Products & Technologies
    • Submit Your Product
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
  • EDUCATION
    • KnowHow.
    • Podcasts
    • Trade Shows & Expos
    • Training & Certification
    • Webinars
    • Whitepapers
  • TOPICS
    • Water Damage
    • Fire & Smoke Damage
    • Mold
    • Contamination
    • Odor
    • Contents
    • Architecture
    • Catastrophe
    • Cleaning
  • BUSINESS
    • Managing Your Business
    • Insurance/Legal Matters
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • VIDEOS
    • Ask Annissa
    • Ask the Expert
    • Ironclad Marketing Minute
    • TradeTalks
    • Video Channel
  • INFOCENTER
    • Mold and Mycotoxins
  • THE EXPERIENCE
    • Convention & Trade Show
    • R&R Special Issue
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP
Fire and Smoke Damage RestorationOdor Removal

5 Types of Smoke Damage and How to Treat Them

By Tom McArdle
house fire IC article
April 28, 2021

As a contractor, you may be called into a situation where smoke damage has affected a residential or commercial property. Regardless of how the smoke got into the structure, either through fire or cigarettes, ongoing smoke can cause many problems even after the root problem is solved. 

Let’s discuss the five different types of smoke, what causes them, and what the best treatment is for all - including the role that hydroxyl generators can play in your restoration plan.

Tenant Smoking Residue

The most common type of smoke damage is the type caused by residents that smoke. In a multifamily building, contractors and landlords deal with odors caused by cigarettes or marijuana on a regular basis. From unpleasant odors to significant surface damage, tenants who are smokers can cause a lot of damage. Remediating this type of smoke damage typically requires intense cleaning. This process can be helped by running one hydroxyl generator per 1,000 to 1,500 square feet, along with an air mover to keep circulation moving through the space. 

The number of generators is also dependent on the number of items in the space as the hydroxyls need to penetrate all permeable surfaces in order to be effective. The more items, the longer the treatment and the more generators that will be needed. 

Protein Smoke Damage

Second to tenant smoke, kitchen fires are another common issue that will produce protein smoke damage. This occurs from food burning and smoke clinging to painted surfaces or wood, which can cause permanent discoloration to any surface it clings to. 

Wet Smoke Damage

Wet smoke occurs during a slow-burning fire with a low temperature. It’s typically the hardest form of smoke damage to clean as it tends to be sticky and thick, latching on to all surfaces and objects. There is a strong odor associated with wet smoke as well, making clean up a longer and a more involved process. 

Dry Smoke Damage

Opposite of wet smoke damage, dry smoke damage occurs in a high-temperature fire. This damage produces an extremely fine, powder form, making it easier to clean than most smoke types. While a solid form of smoke damage may seem easy to clean, if it lands on any porous surface, it may trap itself within holes in the object, making clean-up difficult. 

Petroleum Smoke Damage

Lastly, there’s petroleum smoke damage. When an oil based substance is burned, petroleum smoke damage occurs. This is a darker smoke that lingers on every type of material that it comes in contact with, often staining the surface. It can be cleaned with a solvent designed to cut through grease. 

Using Hydroxyl Generators to Remove Odors

Using a hydroxyl generator to assist in your fire restoration jobs is as simple as plugging in the generator, attaching an air mover if necessary, and stepping back to let the machine do its job. The generator will get to work immediately, releasing hydroxyl radicals into the air that break apart the odor-causing molecules and eliminate them completely.  

Hydroxyl generators work alone when dealing with smoke odor removal for any type of smoke damage. Unlike ozone or other generators, you never have to use additional chemicals to assist with your cleaning process. This means that a hydroxyl generator is safe to use with a restoration crew in the same room you’re working in. It also allows the machine to get into incredibly small spaces easily to penetrate and clean porous materials. 

We typically recommend one hydroxyl generator for every 1,000 to 1,500 square feet, but this can change depending on a few factors like:

  • Room layout
  • Amount of items in the room
  • Ceiling height
  • Odor severity

No matter what type of smoke damage you are dealing with, adding hydroxyl generators to your restoration process will ensure a complete, high quality result.

KEYWORDS: deodorization hydroxyl generators hydroxyl technology

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Tom McArdle is the Vice President of the Odorox Hydroxyl Group. He is a trainer and education specialist for the disaster restoration industry and travels throughout the United States conducting seminars and workshops. Reach him at tmcardle@odoroxhg.com. 

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • mold remediation

    Fighting Mold and Bacteria Damage

    Successful mold remediation can be multidisciplinary,...
    Contamination Restoration & Remediation​
    By: Josh Woolen
  • certifications and licenses for restoration professionals

    Certifications and Licenses Every Restoration Company Needs

    Restoration companies need to make sure they have the...
    Restoration Training/Education
    By: Sharon Elzarat
  • a wall covered in moss and fungus

    Zero Tolerance for Toxic Molds: Essential Steps for Successful Remediation

    Understanding the importance of zero tolerance for toxic...
    Mold Remediation
    By: Michael A. Pinto CSP, SMS, CMP, RTPE, FLS, ERS and Kendra Seymour
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Manage My Account
  • eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • Manage My Preferences

More Videos

Popular Stories

water on basement floor

How Much Water Causes Water Damage?

hurricane

To CAT or not to CAT? Who Should Stay Home

flooded living room

Baseboard Water Damage - Causes, Repair and Prevention

Submit Your New Product/Technology to R&R!

Would you like to promote a new restoration, remediation or cleaning product/technology with Restoration & Remediation? Fill out the question below to start your submission:

Events

September 3, 2025

The Experience Convention and Trade Show

The Experience Convention & Trade Show logoJoin us in Las Vegas for The Experience Convention & Trade Show, the leading event for cleaning, restoration, and remediation pros, packed with hands-on demos, expert speakers, and high-impact networking. Happening September 3–5, 2025 at Caesars Forum—this is where the industry comes to learn, connect, and grow!

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Doffing PPE

When you are doffing your PPE, do you sanitize between every step?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary.

See More Products
Prepare for CATASTROPHE with R&R!

Related Articles

  • wildfire

    How to Clean Homes and Businesses after Wildfires

    See More
  • firemen on a roof with smoke

    3 Options for Smoke Odor Removal after a Structure Fire

    See More
  • ATE smoke odor

    Ask the Expert: Smoke Odor Removal Tips Using Hydroxyl Generators

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • Cover.jpg

    How To Get More Water Damage Jobs (ebook)

  • After-The-Smoke-Clears.gif

    After The Smoke Clears...

  • COVER pdf.jpg

    How to Get More Restoration Jobs in 14 Days... (ebook)

See More Products

Related Directories

  • LearnToRestore.com

    LearnToRestore.com is the leading IICRC-approved school with certification courses in water, fire, smoke, odor, contents processing, and more. Learn and earn your certification in person or online with our live-stream classes. Our expert-led training prepares you with essential skills to excel in the restoration industry!
×

Stay ahead of the curve with our eNewsletters.

Get the latest industry updates tailored your way.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
    • Submit a Press Release
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eNewsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Reprints
    • Marketing Services
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing