subject: Tips In Cleaning After Smoke Damage [print this page] You may still have been shaken after the fire incident and it could still be difficult for you and your family to deal with such conditions. However, you will still have to deal with the fire restorations to prevent further damages and yet you cannot do this single-handedly. This restoration can be a challenging task and it can be quite a nightmare for you if you do not call for a professionals assistance. To avoid further damage, here are some of the steps on cleaning the damages caused by fire and smoke.
Ventilation
It is important that air will be circulated in the entire area while the smoke cleaning process is ongoing. You should use fans and open windows to make this possible. In case you have observed water damages during the cleanup of smoke damage, you should obtain a humidifier. In case that you see any items made of brass and copper, remove them and have them cleaned during the process of the cleanup since they could be irreparably etched with the smoke within 24 hours.
Smokes And Soot
The removal of soot is a major task when it comes to the cleanup of smoke damage. Soot is capable of staining carpets, textiles and other objects and its oiliness can even make them tenacious. If you call for a professional service, they might be capable of removing the soot with the use of a heavy-duty vacuum. Aside from soot, the smoke itself is capable of creating an acrid smoke odor in fabrics and clothes, which is why it should be removed as soon as possible. You can consult for a professional service about the application of the counteractants that is capable of removing the odors. This solution can be applied to furniture, draperies and carpets. It might also be necessary to apply ozone treatment to remove the odor of smoke.
Cleaning Clothes
Did you know that most commercial disinfectants and deodorizing spray products are not capable of removing or restoring smoke damages and could only provide temporary relief? There are even some products that might cause a negative reaction with the smoke, which may produce more odors. In case there are textiles and clothing that cannot be professionally treated, there are a few things that you need to do. You have to mix a cup of dishwashing detergent along with warm water with the measurement of 1 gallon. Soak the affected items and leave the solution on overnight inside the washing machine. You can drain and wash them the next day. For items that are bleachable, add trisodium phosphate with the measurement of four to six tablespoons, 1 gallon of water and mix it with a cup of Lysol or other brands of household chlorine bleach. Put all the clothes in and rinse it with clean water so you can dry them afterwards.
Cleaning Household Items
The non-washable linens and textiles should be taken to a dry cleaner for special or traditional dry cleaning. The regular clothes and linens may be washed with the use of warm water and a liquid detergent. If you have carpets, clean them twice both prior and after the cleanup for smoke damage.
Walls And Structures
In case your walls may have soot stains, a cleaning company may be equipped with a chemical sponge will be able to remove the soot stains. You can also use alcohol and paint thinner during the process of smoke damage restoration but you have to use them with caution since they can produce toxic fumes.
