Mary Winter Agency

04/30/2026

🔆ATTENTION🔆

03/30/2026

We hope you have a wonderful Easter! 🐰

01/13/2026

12/19/2025

Friendly tips from your local Insurance Agents...

Getting wildfire smoke smell out of a home takes a combination of air cleaning, surface cleaning, and odor neutralization. Here’s a step-by-step approach that actually works, starting with the most effective methods.

***CLEAN THE AIR FIRST *most important*
✔ Run HEPA air purifiers
Use true HEPA (not “HEPA-type”)
Bonus if it has activated carbon for odor
Run 24/7 for several days
Focus on bedrooms and main living areas
✔ Make a DIY air cleaner (if needed)
Box fan + MERV 13 furnace filter
Tape filter to the intake side
Surprisingly effective for smoke particles
✔ Change HVAC filters
Replace with MERV 11–13
***VENTILATE
Open windows only when AQI is good
Create cross-ventilation (windows on opposite sides)
Run bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans

***WASH ANYTHING THAT CAN HOLD ODORS
Smoke odor clings to soft, porous materials:
Curtains & drapes
Couch cushion covers
Throw pillows & blankets
Pet beds
Area rugs (steam clean if possible)
*Laundry tip:
Add 1 cup white vinegar or ½ cup baking soda (not both) to the wash.

***CLEAN HARD SURFACES (smoke film is invisible)
Smoke leaves an invisible residue that keeps releasing odor.
Use this mix:
Warm water
A few drops of dish soap
Splash of white vinegar
Wipe down:
Walls & ceilings
Cabinets (inside and out)
Doors & door frames
Window sills
Hard furniture

***NEUTRALIZE LINGERING ODORS
Place these around the house:
Bowls of baking soda
Activated charcoal bags
Bowls of white vinegar (especially overnight)
Smoke hides in:
HVAC vents and returns
Lampshades
Closet interiors
Mattresses (light vacuum with HEPA)
Entry rugs and doormats

***WHAT NOT TO DO***
❌ Don’t use scented candles or plug-ins (they trap odor)
❌ Don’t use ozone generators (unsafe indoors)
❌ Don’t rely on air fresheners alone

If the Smell Still Lingers
Professional duct cleaning
Carpet steam cleaning
In severe cases: sealing walls with odor-blocking primer (rare but effective)

So thankful for all those who worked so hard to contain the fires!

11/24/2025

We Wish You And Your Families A Blessed Holiday Season!

11/10/2025

Thank you Veterans!

05/21/2025

🇺🇸 Our Office will be CLOSED Monday, May 26th in Observation of Memorial Day 🇺🇸

04/18/2025

We are closed today in observation of Good Friday!

04/17/2025

Our phone provider is currently having sporadic outages. If you are trying to reach us by phone and unable, please email Kati at [email protected]. We apologize for the inconvenience.