We’re thrilled to share that MarthaStewart.com featured insights from our CEO, Nicole Kent (nee Hubbard), in a timely guide on removing stubborn smoke smells from your home. The article—“The Best Ways to Get Rid of Smoke Smell in Your Home and Refresh the Air,” by Emily Hayes—was published on September 29, 2025, and includes expert recommendations from cleaning and restoration professionals nationwide, including Hubbard’s Maid Service in Savannah, GA.

Our Expert Contribution: When Ozone Treatment Makes Sense

In the piece, Nicole explains when and how an ozone generator can be used to break down the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that cause lingering smoke odors—particularly after kitchen mishaps or small, contained incidents. She notes that ozone machines can be an effective, targeted option (often available for under $100), provided they’re used correctly: run in an enclosed space, with people and pets out of the area, and allowed time to revert safely back to oxygen before re-entry.

Safety first: The Martha Stewart article clearly underscores that ozone is hazardous to breathe during operation, so a careful, follow-the-instructions approach is essential.

Quick Wins the Article Highlights

MarthaStewart.com’s guide also covers several practical steps homeowners can take right away, before considering advanced options:

  • Ventilate with cross-breezes and use exhaust fans to move smoke out fast.

  • Neutralize the air with bowls of baking soda, activated charcoal, or white vinegar to absorb odors rather than mask them.

  • Deploy a true HEPA purifier (with activated carbon) to capture fine particles and gaseous compounds that keep odors lingering.

  • Go deeper with fabric and carpet care (washables, baking-soda soaks, thorough vacuuming) and wipe hard surfaces with a mild soap-and-vinegar solution to remove invisible smoke film.

When to Call the Pros

If odors persist after ventilation, neutralizers, and filtration—or if you’re dealing with smoke that’s penetrated soft furnishings, carpets, or ductwork—professional help can save time and ensure a thorough resolution. Our trained teams follow best-practice odor remediation steps and can advise on whether an ozone treatment or HVAC cleaning is warranted for your specific situation.

Proud to Represent Savannah on a National Stage

Hubbard’s Maid Service is honored that MarthaStewart.com recognized our local expertise for a national audience. It’s a testament to our team’s commitment to safe, effective, and evidence-informed cleaning methods—whether you need routine maintenance or specialized odor removal.

Need Help Clearing a Smoke Smell—Fast?

If your home needs a reset after burnt toast, a candle mishap, or other smoke incidents, we can help.
Call us or book online for a tailored plan that brings your home back to fresh, clean, and comfortable—safely.

Our Smoke-Odor Service: What to Expect

1) Assessment & source control
We start by identifying the source (kitchen event, candle/soot, cigarette smoke, fireplace backdraft) and isolating affected rooms. We’ll recommend what to toss, wash, or deep-clean first (filters, fabrics, and porous items hold the most odor).

2) Fresh-air exchange & filtration
We promote safe ventilation and deploy HEPA filtration with activated carbon to capture particles and odor molecules—especially helpful during and after cleaning.

3) Top-to-bottom wipe-down
Smoke leaves a nearly invisible film. We systematically clean high-touch and high-surface-area zones: ceilings, walls, baseboards, cabinets (inside/out as needed), doors, trim, switch plates, and hard floors.

4) Fabric & soft-surface care
We spot-treat where appropriate, advise on launderables, and vacuum carpets/upholstery using HEPA equipment. For persistent cases, we’ll discuss specialized deodorizing rinses or off-site laundering.

5) Optional advanced treatments
If odor lingers after a full clean, we may recommend targeted odor-neutralizing treatments (e.g., sealed-room applications) and, when appropriate, discuss professional ozone use with strict safety protocols (unoccupied space, controlled cycle, re-entry windows).

DIY vs. Pro Help: A Quick Guide

  • Try DIY first if the issue is small and recent (burnt food, a brief smoky incident). Prioritize ventilation, filtration, and cleaning residue on hard surfaces and textiles.

  • Call in the pros if the odor has soaked into carpets, curtains, HVAC, or if you’ve tried DIY for a day or two without improvement. Deep penetration and whole-home spread typically need coordinated, multi-step remediation.

Safety Notes We Live By

  • We never operate odor-neutralizing equipment in occupied spaces.

  • We monitor dwell time and ensure proper air exchange before re-entry.

  • We protect finishes and materials with surface-safe methods and test first on delicate areas.

  • We communicate clearly about what to expect—including timeframes and what you can do to help (e.g., laundering, opening windows when weather allows).

FAQs

How long does smoke odor removal take?
Light incidents often improve markedly the same day. More entrenched odors (soft goods, HVAC) can require multiple sessions and fabric care between visits.

Will one cleaning visit fix it?
Sometimes, yes—especially for small, localized events. If the smoke traveled widely or lingered, expect a plan that may include follow-ups and fabric/HVAC steps.

Is ozone always required?
No. Many cases resolve with ventilation, surface cleaning, and carbon filtration. If needed, we’ll explain when ozone makes sense, how it’s used safely, and what the timeline looks like.

Do you clean the HVAC system?
We’ll replace accessible filters and wipe returns/grilles; for ductwork, we can coordinate or refer licensed HVAC specialists if deeper cleaning is indicated.

Tips to Keep Odors from Returning

  • Swap in fresh HVAC filters (look for high-quality options compatible with your system).

  • Run kitchen exhaust when cooking and keep a window slightly open when safe to do so.

  • Wash or dry-clean smoke-exposed textiles promptly (curtains, throws, cushion covers).

  • Keep a HEPA + carbon purifier in the most affected room for a week or two after the incident.

  • Schedule a maintenance clean—post-incident films can continue to off-gas if left behind.

Proudly Serving Greater Savannah

From Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill, and Wilmington Island to surrounding communities, Hubbard’s Maid Service brings proven odor-removal know-how—and the friendly, meticulous care we’re known for.

Book Help or Ask a Question

If you’re battling a lingering smoke smell, let our trained team handle the heavy lifting. We’ll craft a plan that fits your home, your timeline, and your budget.

  • Call us: Speak with our team about your situation and next steps.

  • Request an estimate: Tell us what happened and where you’re noticing the odor—photos help!

  • Fast scheduling: We offer flexible appointments and clear expectations for each visit.

Media & Press

For interviews, expert quotes, or collaboration requests, please contact our office and ask for our media coordinator. We’re happy to share practical, safety-first guidance with homeowners and the press.