Smoke Damage Restoration - How Professionals Clean Smoke Damage

When a fire breaks out, the smoke and soot produced can cause extensive damage to your property. In order to restore it to its original condition, you need the help of a professional smoke damage restoration company.

In this guide, we will discuss how these companies work and what they do to clean up the mess left behind by a fire.

What Does Smoke Damage Look Like?

The telltale sign of smoke damage is soot. Soot is a black, powdery residue that is left behind when things burn. If you suspect there may be smoke damage in your home, take a look around and see if you can find any signs of soot. Smoke damage can also cause a strong smell, which can be another clue that there may be a problem.

If you think you may have smoke damage, it is important to act quickly. The longer soot and smoke are left on surfaces, the more difficult they will be to remove. If you wait too long, the damage may become permanent.

What do Professionals use to Clean Smoke Damage?

Smoke damage restoration professionals use a variety of methods and equipment to clean up the damage caused by smoke. It’s important to use the right methods and equipment, as some of these can be harmful if used incorrectly.

This is what the professionals might use to clean smoke damage:

Thermal Fogging

This is a method that uses heat and humidity to remove smoke particles from the air. The fog penetrates every nook and cranny in your property, removing the smell of smoke as well.

Its major advantage is that it doesn’t damage any of your belongings, and it’s effective at removing smoke particles from large areas.

How to use it:

The machine is placed in the middle of the room and turned on. The operator then leaves the room and closes the door. After a few minutes, the fog will dissipate, leaving no trace of smoke behind.

Ozone Generators

These devices produce ozone, which is a gas that can remove smoke particles from the air. Ozone is effective at removing smoke odors, but it can be hazardous to your health if used for too long.

If you’re going to use an ozone generator, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

How to use it:

The machine is placed in the room or area to be treated, and left running. Kee[ in mind that the area must be closed off. . Once the treatment has concluded, the ozone will dissipate within a few minutes, leaving no trace or odor of smoke behind.

Sodium Bicarbonate

This is a common household ingredient that can be used to remove smoke odors. It’s effective at absorbing smoke particles from the air, but it can be harmful if inhaled in large quantities.

This is not a method that should be used if there are any children or pets in the home. It’s also not recommended if you have asthma or other respiratory problems.

How to use it:

The sodium bicarbonate is placed in a bowl and left in the room. The smoke will slowly absorb into the sodium bicarbonate, leaving the room smelling fresh and clean.

Commercial Cleaning Products

There are a number of commercial cleaning products that can be used to remove smoke particles from your property. These include soot removers, stain removers, and odor eliminators.

The advantage of using these products is that they’re specifically designed to remove smoke damage. The disadvantage, however, is that they can be expensive, and some of them are harmful to your health if used incorrectly.

How to use it:

The products are applied to the affected areas and left to work for a few minutes. Then, they are wiped away, taking the smoke particles with them.

Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers are used to remove moisture from the air. This is important, as the presence of moisture can cause further damage to your property.

In order to prevent mold, mildew, and water stains, it’s important to keep the air as dry as possible. It’s also important to have a dehumidifier in the room when using any of the other methods on this list, as they can produce a lot of moisture.

How to use it:

The dehumidifier should be placed in the room and left to run for a few days. It will remove the moisture and smoke odor from the air, preventing further damage.

Smoke Damage Restoration Process

The smoke damage restoration process can be divided into three steps:

Step 1: Assessment

The first step is to assess the extent of the damage caused by the fire. This includes inspecting all of your belongings for soot and smoke damage.

Step 2: Removal

The second step is to remove all of the damaged items from your property, such as furniture, carpeting, and anything else that has been affected by the fire. Smoke can have a big affect on your home contents.

Step 3: Cleaning

The third step is to clean all of the remaining surfaces on your property (walls, ceilings, floors, and windows). All of the soot and smoke must be removed in order to prevent further damage.

After the fire has been put out, it’s important to call a professional smoke damage restoration company. They will be able to assess the damage and provide you with the best course of action. In most cases, this will involve the use of the aforementioned methods i.e. thermal fogging, ozone generators, or sodium bicarbonate.

What are the Different Types of Smoke Damage?

There are three types of smoke damage:

Soot - This is the black, greasy residue that is left after a fire. It can cause staining and odor problems. One loose soot particle can cause thousands of dollars in damage, so thoroughness is key when it comes to checking for soot.
Smoke - Smoke is made up of tiny particles that can cause respiratory problems, or aggravate pre-existing respiratory conditions, if inhaled.
Heat Damage - Heat damage is caused by the high temperatures of the fire. It can cause warping and discoloration on surfaces.

Why Does Smoke Damage Need Immediate Cleanup?

Primarily, it is for health and safety reasons. As previously stated, soot and smoke particles are extremely fine, and when inhaled, they can cause serious respiratory problems or aggravate existing conditions like asthma and emphysema. In addition, the chemicals in soot and smoke are known to be carcinogenic.

Another reason to clean up smoke damage as quickly as possible is to prevent further damage to your property. Smoke residue is also acidic in nature, meaning it can discolor walls and ceilings, as well as cause corrosion on metal surfaces.

What Can Be Saved After Smoke Damage?

The first step is to assess the damage and see what can be salvaged. Porous materials like carpeting, draperies, and upholstered furniture will likely need to be replaced.

However, non-porous materials like metal, glass, and hard plastics can possibly be cleaned and restored. In addition, any food items, cosmetics, or medications that have been exposed to smoke should be thrown away. You can use a fire damage restoration service to help you with this.

How to Prevent Smoke Damage

The best way to prevent smoke damage is to avoid fires altogether. That being said, there are a few things you can do to minimize the damage if a fire does occur:

Install a smoke alarm

This will give you an early warning in case a fire breaks out.

Keep your property clean

This will help to minimize the amount of soot and smoke that is produced or left behind, in the event of a fire.

Have an evacuation plan

Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do and where to go in case of a fire.

Smoke damage can be devastating, but it’s important to refrain from panicking. With the help of a professional, you can restore your property to its original condition.

What are the Benefits of Hiring Smoke Damage Professionals?

There are quite a few benefits to hiring smoke damage professionals. The first is that they have the experience and knowledge to properly clean up the smoke damage. They will also have the proper equipment to do the job effectively, and in a timely manner.

Another benefit is that they can help you with your insurance claim. They can provide documentation of both the damages, and the work done, in order to help you get the most from your claim. Finally, they can help you with any emotional support you may need during this difficult time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use to remove the smoke smell from my home?

The best way to remove smoke odors from your home is with a commercial deodorizer. These products are designed to neutralize the smell of smoke. You can also try baking soda or vinegar, but while they may be cheaper and more accessible, these methods may not be as effective.

Should I use warm water or cold water to clean the smoke and soot damage?

It is best to use cold water when cleaning smoke and soot stains or damage. Warm water can cause the soot to become airborne, which will only make the problem worse.

Do I need a dry chemical sponge to clean up the smoke damage?

The cleaning process will vary depending on the type of smoke damage. In most cases, a dry chemical sponge will be sufficient. However, if there is soot build-up on surfaces, you may need to use a detergent or cleaner to remove it.

Does a professional fire restorer use an ozone machine?

Some professionals may use an ozone machine to help remove the smoke smell from your home. However, this is not always necessary and can be expensive.

Smoke damage can be a serious problem, but it is important to remain calm and remember that not all is lost. With the help of a professional smoke and fire damage restoration company, you can restore your property to its original condition.

Smoke damage restoration companies have the experience and knowledge to properly clean up the smoke damage, as well as the proper equipment. They can also help you with your insurance claim and provide documentation of the damages and the reparations made.