Smoke Damage Cleaning Guide

House fire is one of the most horrifying incidents. Moreover, the sight and smell of charred wood and smoke can sometimes cause great emotional distress.

Even if the fire was put out fast, the smoke and soot produced from it can cause significant damage to your personal belongings.

However, there are many instances when you can salvage your property after the fire has subsided.

This article is a guide entailing methods to eliminate smoke damage, the odor of smoke, and much more.

Required Items for Smoke Damage Cleaning

The most commonly used items that are professionally used to clean smoke damage can be widely found in most homes. The one item you might need to purchase is a sponge for dry cleaning. To remove smoke damage, this sponge is essential and therefore, we strongly advise you to use it. To get your thorough cleaning started, you can commence with assembling the following materials:

• Water
• Chemical or dry/cleaning sponge
• Commercial soot remover or degreaser
• Vacuum with an upholstery attachment (preferably a strong shop-vac would be ideal)

How to Do Smoke Damage Cleaning?

Upholstery and Curtains

Similar to carpets, smoke damage may discolor drapes and upholstery. However, utilizing a standard household vacuum will just cause the soot and smoke particles to become embedded in the fabric, making cleaning them more difficult. 

Efficient cleaning of these materials depends on selecting the appropriate filter, hose adapter, and alkaline cleanser. 

Carpets

Since most carpets are constructed of synthetic materials, permanent stains can appear on them in a matter of days. If your carpet has not been affected by heat or chemical outbursts, which are usually caused by fire, you can easily clean it.

Clothes and Bedding 

Smoke may still have an impact on your clothing and bedding, even if they are stored in a locked closet or drawer. Before washing them, you should take them outdoors and shake off any soot particles. However, if the stench is still there, you might need to use a powerful laundry detergent. 

Wooden Furnishings

It might be difficult to clean smoke-damaged furniture since the improper cleaning solution can remove the varnish along with the stain from the wood. Metal-framed furniture is susceptible to rusting from some cleaning agents, which can cause harm to the material. 

Use a dry cleaning or chemical sponge for cleaning such damaged wooden furniture. The best course of action for cleaning smoke damage on your furniture is to contact belongings restoration specialists if you’re not sure how to begin. 

Hard Surfaces with Pores 

Wallpaper, uncovered wood, and drywall are most affected by the smoke as these are porous materials.

The chemical used in dry cleaning or sponge cleaning is another way to restore smoke damage on walls and stop soot from seeping further into the material. To avoid permanent damage, it is imperative that you clean them right away. 

Wooden Floors 

When it comes to wooden floors, you need to remember that porous hardwood floors are susceptible to minute smoke particles. 

Under most circumstances, cleaning the surfaces with a mop and deodorizer is sufficient. Hardwood flooring that is heavily impacted by firefighting efforts, including smoke and water damage, could require replacement or refinishing.  

Metallic Surfaces 

Metal surfaces, such as those seen in big appliances, can be corroded by soot. Using cooking oil as a wipe can help keep them from rusting and discoloring and give you more time to clean them thoroughly. But if you put off cleaning these things, the metal surfaces may rust and develop pits, which will eventually need to be replaced or repaired.

Get Smoke Damage Cleaning Services from ECOS

Cleaning smoke and soot damage is particularly challenging. The cleaning tips that we provided can be effective in cleaning a small space or if the damage isn’t too bad. But for cleaning unmanageable damage, you must contact professionals. And nobody can come to your assistance better than the experts at ECOS. Our dependable professionals are the finest in smoke damage cleaning services; thanks to their certified methods and cutting-edge tools. Give us a call today and schedule your consultation.