Two different problems
Most marijuana calls fall into one of two groups. The first is smoke residue: a tenant or occupant smoked indoors for months or years, and the walls, ceilings, blinds and carpet now carry a resin film and a smell that does not fade with airing out. The second is a former indoor grow: a room, basement, garage or whole house was set up to cultivate plants, and what remains is equipment, plant debris, soil, fertilizer residue and, often, moisture damage.
The cleanup approach differs significantly between the two, so we start by understanding which one you have, or whether it is both.
Smoke residue: what we do
Resin film is sticky and slightly oily, and it holds odor. We remove curtains, blinds and other soft window coverings that are saturated, evaluate carpet and pad, and then HEPA vacuum and wash hard surfaces with degreasing detergents, starting at the ceiling and working down. Light fixtures, fan blades, vent covers and switch plates are cleaned individually, and air filters are replaced.
Once the film is gone, your painter can apply a stain- and odor-blocking primer. Paint alone, applied over residue, tends to let the stain and smell bleed back through.
Former grow sites: what we do
- Confirm the property is clear If law enforcement was involved, the property should be released before cleanup. We do not take custody of plants or products.
- Remove grow debris Plant matter, soil, growing media, reflective sheeting, tubing, containers and similar debris are bagged and hauled for disposal.
- Remove abandoned equipment Lights, fans, ballasts, tents and portable equipment the owner does not want are taken out. Hardwired electrical work is left for an electrician.
- Clean the space Floors, walls and fixtures are HEPA vacuumed and washed to remove dust, fertilizer residue and odor sources.
- Document moisture concerns We note stained drywall, warped flooring, musty odor or visible growth so the right specialist can evaluate it.
Moisture, mold and modifications
Indoor grows often run high humidity for long periods, and that can lead to moisture damage in drywall, subfloors and framing. We check attics and crawlspaces too, since grow ducting and equipment are sometimes hidden there. If we see signs of mold or water damage, we will document them and recommend a mold remediation specialist and, where needed, a contractor. We do not represent our cleanup as mold remediation.
Grows also sometimes involve unpermitted electrical, plumbing or ventilation changes. Those should be inspected and corrected by an electrician, plumber or HVAC contractor before the property is occupied.
Odor control that lasts
Marijuana odor clings to soft materials, so the most reliable improvement comes from removing them and washing hard surfaces. Deodorizing equipment can be added afterward as a supplement. EPA notes that ozone may mask odors without removing them and should only be used in unoccupied spaces, so if it is used at all, the property stays empty until it is cleared. Our odor removal page goes into more detail.
Helpful steps before we arrive
- Take photos of the space as you found it, for your own records.
- Do not paint or replace carpet yet.
- If a grow used electricity heavily, ask an electrician to make the space safe.
- Ventilate with windows where weather allows.
Who calls us
Landlords, property managers, buyers of recently purchased homes and families clearing a relative's property are our usual callers for this work. Hotels, business owners and vehicle owners call about smoke residue as well. Owners managing several units can read about our property management biohazard services. We serve Nashville and the surrounding counties of Middle Tennessee.