It's crucial to clean a house that's been damaged by smoke to make it a safe place to live. It's not as simple as just opening a window because smoke and soot are stubborn and can be hard to get rid of. They have a strong smell and tiny particles that can be harmful to breathe, so it's important to clean them thoroughly. Restoration 1 of St Charles has a lot of experience in fixing damage from fires and has some useful tips. If you're wondering how to start or if you can get rid of that smoke smell in your house, keep reading!
What You Need to Clean Smoke Damage
Many homeowners already have most of these things at home. The only thing you might need to purchase is a dry-cleaning sponge, which is super useful for Smoke Damage Repair In St Charles. Don't forget to get this sponge—it's an important cleaning tool. Here's what you'll need:
- Rubbing alcohol or paint thinner
- Vinegar
- Degreaser or commercial soot remover
- Vacuum (preferably a strong shop-vac) with an upholstery attachment
- Bucket with hot water
- Dry-cleaning sponge (chemical sponge)
- Clean rags
- Regular sponge
- Fan
How Do You Clean Smoke Damage?
Ventilate:
- Open windows and doors to let in fresh air.
- Use fans to help air circulate.
- Turn off your HVAC system to prevent spreading smoke and soot.
Protect Yourself:
- Wear a respirator, long sleeves, pants, gloves, and eye protection.
- Lay down floor protection.
- Remove undamaged furniture and objects.
- Be careful not to spread soot to other rooms.
Vacuum:
- Use a strong shop-vac with an upholstery attachment.
- Gently vacuum loose soot particles, avoiding scrubbing.
Use Dry-Cleaning Sponge:
- Wipe soot and smoke stains with a dry-cleaning sponge.
- Don't use water or soot cleaner before using the sponge.
- Use a wiping motion, turning the sponge to clean surfaces.
Use Liquid Cleaners:
- Use commercial soot/smoke remover, rubbing alcohol, vinegar, or paint thinner on a rag.
- Wipe all surfaces in the damaged room.
- Mix TSP, dish soap, or degreaser in hot water for further cleaning.
- Rinse dirty rags and refresh cleaning water.
Dry and Deep Clean:
- Dry surfaces with a clean rag or fans.
- Identify and separate odor-absorbing items.
- Consider professional steam cleaning for carpets, upholstery, furniture, and curtains.
- Avoid cover scents and replace HVAC filters.
- If needed, explore options like ozone generators for effective odor removal.
Professional Help:
If the damage is significant or you're unsure, consider professional help. Restoration 1 of St Charles offers certified techniques and advanced equipment for fire damage restoration.
Contact Restoration 1 of St Charles at 636-249-2628 or find a local branch for assistance.
