How to Clean Up Smoke Damage the Easy Way

 


Smoke damage can be overwhelming because it leaves behind visible soot and persistent odors.

If the damage is severe, hiring a pro is the only way to restore your home. However, if the damage is minor and contained to one area, you can fix it by ventilating the space, removing soot, cleaning furniture, and eliminating lingering smoke odor.

This article will guide you step by step through how to clean up smoke damage and turn your home back into a safe and comfortable space.

Identify the Type of Smoke Damage

Smoke damage goes beyond just visible soot left behind on surfaces after a fire. It’s important to understand that smoke particles, being tiny, can travel through a building, settling on walls, ceiling, furniture, and even in hidden places like insulation. This means that smoke damage can affect every part of your house and not just the parts closest to the fire.

There are two main types of smoke damage:

  • Soot damage: The black or brown residue left behind by smoke is composed of carbon and other particles. It can easily stain floors, walls, and furniture, and is difficult to clean without proper equipment. Also, soot can trigger respiratory issues and skin irritation, particularly in people with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory problems.
  • Odor damage: One of the most annoying effects of smoke damage is the lingering smell. Smoke particles easily attach to fabric, carpet, and other materials, continuing to produce odor even after you clean up the visible damage.

Get Permission from a Pro

Before entering your house, make sure to ask a fire officer whether it’s safe. They will assess the damage and let you know. If the damage is severe, they will most likely seal the house, and you need to find temporary accommodation.

Wear Your Safety Gear

Safety Gears

If your house is safe to enter, that’s great, but make sure to wear your safety gear:

  • Fully covered clothing
  • Disposable coveralls
  • Hard hat
  • Goggles
  • Respirator
  • Gloves
  • Closed-toe shoes

Open the Windows and Ventilate

Open all the windows as soon as you enter the home and use fans to minimize the smoke odor. Turn on your dehumidifier, if possible, to prevent mold growth.

If the fire was severe and a lot of water was used to put it out, there’s a high chance that mold has formed on the walls, carpet, and hardwood flooring. In this case, it’s best to hire a pro because dealing with mold can be hazardous to your health, and it’s impossible to remove it completely without the right tools.

Remove Soot from Walls

Use a dry-cleaning sponge to gently wipe loose soot from walls and ceilings. Avoid scrubbing, as that can smear the soot. Once the sponge becomes saturated, wash it in a sink and let it air dry.

Vacuum the area with a plain attachment. Use a brush attachment to remove stuck soot. Lay a drop cloth on the floor to catch any soot that falls on the floor.

Once you get rid of loose soot, prepare a Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) solution by mixing a gallon of warm water and a tablespoon of TSP. You can also use a commercial cleaning product.

Clean Furniture

Vacuum the upholstery on your furniture to remove soot. Launder any washable fabrics using a heavy-duty detergent to eliminate soot and smoke odors. Make sure to soak them for at least 24 hours to get rid of the smoke odor.

Clean Carpets and Flooring

Carpets Cleaning with Vacuum

Clean carpets and floors using a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove soot and debris. If necessary, deep clean the carpet with a steam cleaner or hire a professional carpet cleaner.

Clean Fabrics

Take the upholstery, drapes, and clothing outside and shake them to get rid of loose soot. Once done, vacuum them without any attachments because they can push the soot into the fabric.

Soak all the items in a washing machine by adding a cup of dishwashing detergent to a gallon of water. Leave it for a day before washing.

If an item can be bleached, mix five tablespoons of household bleach into a gallon of water and soak it for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and wash in your washing machine.

For fabrics that need dry cleaning, take them to your local dry cleaner and let them know there has been smoke damage, so they can clean them accordingly.

Eliminate Smoke Odor

An ozone generator or air purifier works best for eliminating smoke odor. However, if you don’t have them, you can use regular household products instead. Spray a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water on walls and surrounding areas to neutralize the smell, or place bowls of activated charcoal around the room to absorb lingering odors.

Once done, add a few drops of detergent to warm water and spray the surfaces for a fresh scent.

Check for Structural Damage

Inspect your crawl space, insulation, and attic for structural damage. Common signs of damage include:

  • Sagging ceilings
  • Warped beams
  • Cracks in the foundation or walls
  • Cracks in rafters and trusses

If you notice any of these issues, there’s a high chance the structure is compromised, and it’s best to hire a pro to fix them.

Hire a Professional

Smoke damage is a serious issue that can affect not only the structure of your home but also your health and safety.

If you’re dealing with severe smoke damage or just want to leave it to the pros, get in touch with Disaster Responders. We are available 24/7 throughout California and use advanced equipment and proven techniques to restore your home. We are IICRC-certified, fully licensed, and insured for your peace of mind.

FAQs

Should I DIY or hire a pro to restore fire damage?

You can handle minor smoke damage yourself and save money, especially if the area is small. However, for severe damage, it’s best to hire a pro. Restoration experts use tools like industrial-grade vacuums, ozone generators, and air scrubbers that are far more effective than standard household cleaning tools.

How can I prevent future smoke damage?

  • Install and maintain smoke detectors because they are your first line of defence against fires. These detectors give you time to act quickly and reduce severe smoke damage.
  • Use fire-resistant materials in fire-prone areas like the kitchen.
  • Regularly clean your chimney to avoid harmful buildup, known as creosote.
  • Maintain fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems.
  • Practice safe cooking habits.
  • Store flammable items properly.
  • Implement a fire safety plan.

How do I know if a home has smoke damage?

If you’re purchasing a home and want to know whether it has smoke damage, here are some signs:

  • Lingering smoke odor
  • Discoloration
  • Soot marks on walls, ceilings, and furniture

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