Smoke Damage

Dealing with soot, smoke damage, and odors from a fire can be challenging, but there are effective methods to clean and deodorize your home. Unless you have extensive experience with this type of clean-up, you will want to engage a professional company, like TeamiDry.

Here are some of the best ways to address smoke and soot damage:

Before starting the cleaning process, ensure the area is safe. If there’s significant structural damage or the fire was large, consult a professional restoration company to avoid health risks.

Soot can be sticky, so cleaning it off requires specific methods to avoid spreading it further. Here’s how to tackle it:

Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to gently remove dry soot from surfaces. Be careful not to rub it, as this can smear soot or push it deeper into surfaces.

Chem-dry sponges are designed to lift off soot from walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. Don’t use water, as this can make the soot harder to remove.

Soap and Water: After removing dry soot, you can clean surfaces with a mild soap solution (dish soap or specialized soot cleaner) and warm water. Use soft cloths or sponges to avoid scratching surfaces.

TSP (Trisodium Phosphate): For stubborn soot, you may need a stronger cleaner like TSP mixed with water, which is effective in breaking down soot residue.

Smoke odors can be persistent, so removing them thoroughly will require multiple steps.

Open windows and doors (when safe) to allow fresh air to circulate. If possible, use fans to push smoke and soot out of the space. Usually, the fire department does this.

Every nook and cranny have to be cleaned, and the soot removed. Unless all surfaces, including areas that aren’t easily visible, are completely cleaned, the odor will linger for months or years!

Ozone machines are effective at neutralizing smoke odors. They generate ozone, which reacts with smoke particles to eliminate odors. However, they should be used with caution and only in unoccupied spaces, as ozone can be harmful to your health.

For more extensive smoke or soot damage, or for items that are too delicate to clean yourself, it’s often best to hire professional fire restoration specialists. They have the equipment and expertise to:

Clean and restore items like upholstery, carpets, and clothing (via specialized cleaning techniques).

Perform deep cleaning using ozone treatments, thermal fogging, or HEPA filtration equipment.

Deodorize and sanitize the entire property to ensure there is no lingering odor.

Clothing and Upholstery can absorb smoke odors. Wash washable fabrics using a laundry detergent mixed with a cup of vinegar or a specialized odor-removal product. Dry cleaning is an option for clothing that can’t be washed.

Professionally steam clean carpets and rugs to remove soot and smoke. Baking soda can also help absorb odors before professional cleaning.

Curtains and Drapes should be cleaned similarly to upholstery, either through washing (if possible) or dry cleaning.

Removing smoke and soot damage can be a meticulous process, but with the right approach and tools, you can restore the property and eliminate lingering odors. For severe damage, it’s often best to consult professionals to ensure the job is done safely and effectively.