Heat causes objects and materials to burn or melt, leading to fire damage. Smoke damage refers to physical damage caused by smoke rather than damage caused by the heat of the fire. Few things are more damaging than a house fire and the smoke damage it leaves behind. You’ll likely need to perform other repairs, such as filling holes and replacing windows.
Possessions and a home can be repaired in some cases but not in others. Understanding how to remediate smoke damage is critical. You may even find yourself dealing with residual water damage after the fire has been extinguished. Restoration and repair may appear difficult at first, but with the help of your community and the proper partners, you can return your home to its former glory.
Cleaning a smoke-damaged house is essential for maintaining a healthy living environment. It was as simple as opening a window and letting things breathe. Because smoke and soot are acidic, they can be difficult to remove. However, they contain unpleasant odours and particles detrimental to the lungs. Thus, it is necessary to clean them thoroughly. Reztor Repair has years of experience in fire damage restoration and has learned a few tricks along the way. Do you know where to begin or if you’ll ever get that smoke smell out of your house? Continue reading!
What You’ll Need to Remove Smoke Damage
Most people have these items in their homes. The only thing you need to purchase is a dry-cleaning sponge. This sponge is crucial for removing smoke damage, and we strongly advise not overlooking it.
Open those windows first and foremost. Put on a jacket if it’s cold outside! Sorry, but you must allow fresh air to circulate in the house. Open all of the house’s doors and windows. Using fans, you can encourage airflow (the larger, the better). To avoid spreading smoke and soot, turn off your HVAC system.
Protect
Use appropriate protective clothing before cleaning the house. Because soot, smoke, and debris can be dangerous to breathe, use a respirator if there is a lot of soot in the affected area. Protect your skin by wearing long pants and sleeves. Wear gloves and eye protection as well. Because you will be removing soot as you clean, preserving the floor and removing any furniture or household belongings that are not harmed is critical. If the damage is minor, you may be able to get away with merely covering the furniture with plastic or sheets. However, if you’re cleaning an entire room, it’s wise to remove sanitary goods and even seal off neighbouring, undamaged areas. Keep your eyes on your shoes to avoid tracking soot marks into adjacent areas.
Vacuum
Soot and smoke damage are typically combined into a stinky package. Begin vacuuming away loose soot particles with an upholstery attachment. A shop vac with high suction force is ideal for this job. Brush the area lightly with the brush attachment, vacuuming loose particles. Scrubbing, which can aggravate stains, should be avoided.
Make use of the Dry-Cleaning Sponge.
It is possible to use a dry-cleaning sponge to remove smoke and soot stains (chemical sponge). Since these sponges have unique chemicals to remove stains from walls, these steps are essential. Never use a dry-cleaning sponge before using a soot remover or water, as this can spread the soot and make it impossible to get rid of with a chemical sponge. Begin by lightly scrubbing the walls with a dry-cleaning sponge.
After a few strokes, switch to a different sponge side to ensure you always work on a clean surface. When all sides are filthy, use a knife to cut off the sides to reveal the clean surfaces beneath. Alternatively, get a brand-new sponge. Use a wiping motion throughout. Scrubbing the stains will spread them and work the soot deeper into the surface.
Make use of liquid cleaners.
Grab a fresh rag and a dry-cleaning sponge once you’ve removed as much soot as possible. Commercial soot/smoke remover (follow the manufacturer’s guidelines), rubbing alcohol, white vinegar, or paint thinner can all be used. Clean the walls of the damaged room with a rag soaked in your favourite cleaner. Even if there is no evidence of soot or smoke damage, it is critical to wipe every surface in the room (even light bulbs!).
Clean with a dry-cleaning sponge in the same manner. If the damage is severe, you may need to employ a combination of repeat treatments of these chemical cleaners. When the rag becomes soiled, rinse it in the bucket or replace it. The same is true for your cleaning water: If your water is dark or smells like smoke, replace it. After cleaning the room with your preferred cleaner, wipe the walls with fresh water and a clean rag to eliminate any leftover cleaning agents.
Intensive cleaning and drying
Use a clean rag to dry the surfaces after cleaning thoroughly. You can speed up the process by using fans. You’re probably still smelling smoke odours, which can take days to weeks to disperse. Look around the room for objects that can quickly absorb odours. You can place these items in a separate room or outside to see if the scent wears away after a few days; you can discard the stuff you don’t need. Having your carpets professionally steam-cleaned can also assist with lingering smoke odours, as can having your upholstery, furniture, curtains, etc. Having these professionally cleaned will significantly lessen the odour of smoke.
Avoid covering perfumes or fragrances that only conceal the odour without addressing the underlying issue. They are a quick answer to a long-term problem and can coat surfaces with oils rather than allowing them to breathe. Replace your HVAC filters, which circulate smokey air in your home.
If the room still smells smokey, consult your local cleaning service about employing an ozone generator. You can buy, rent, or hire someone to run it. These machines generate ozone, which is a powerful odour remover and cleanser.
Expert Fire Damage Restoration
Cleaning up after smoke or soot damage can be challenging. If you’re cleaning a small room or the damage isn’t severe, we recommend you use the techniques we’ve provided. Reztor Restoration can assist if you are unable to complete the process. Our dependable specialists are the leading fire damage repair industry experts, using IICRC-certified techniques and cutting-edge equipment. Find your nearest Reztor Restoration location or call 1800 739 867 to make an appointment.
The interior of your home may have been one of many items harmed by the fire. If your landscaping has been damaged by fire, our sister firm, Reztor Restoration, may help restore it to its pre-loss state. Reztor Restoration, a reputable member of the Neighborly network of home service providers, can restore smoke-damaged buildings to make them look as good as before.
