How Should I Clean My Smoke Damaged Home?

6/3/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Damage? Call SERVPRO Today!

SERVPRO Techs Have the Professional Equipment and Specialised Cleaning Agents to Help Toronto Homes After a Fire Loss

Smoke damage can be a very frustrating challenge to clean up on your own. The internet has a large number of DIY methods, but the truth is, if the incorrect cleaning method gets used on smoke residues, it can make the problem worse or cause the item getting cleaned to become unrestorable. This type of cleanup is best to outsource to a professional restoration services company.

Is It True Fire Damage Can Leave Behind Different Types of Smoke Damage?

The ability to successfully clean up fire damage in Toronto homes hinges on the ability also to remove the smoke residues left behind. Some of the vital steps to smoke damage removal include:

• The testing of the residue to determine the type
• Use of specific cleaning methods and tools for dry smoke
• Implementation of cleaning agents with solvents for wet smoke

What to Expect During the Fire Loss Mitigation Process

When the SERVPRO techs arrive on site, they get to work immediately to clean up the property. One of the first actions is containment around the loss area. This is necessary to prevent the spread of soot throughout the home. Then charred items without restoration potential get removed. 

As the techs go through the site, they inspect each item, and if it shows promise for restoration, it gets taken to a cleaning station for detailed handling to remove the soot and smoke residues.

Cleaning Techniques for Walls and Ceilings

Smoke residues left on walls and ceilings can get categorised into three groups, and each type has its own unique needs for cleaning.

• Smoke webs appear in the upper corners of a room and look like black cobwebs
• Dry smoke is light and looks like a fine, black powder on surfaces
• Wet smoke is the most difficult to remove and has the appearance of an oily or greasy black substance that smears when wiped

Choosing the correct solution type is crucial. SERVPRO technicians perform testing on the smoke residues as well as the surfaces they are cleaning to ensure the selected cleaning agent does not mar the surface. The removal of smoke damage is often a multi-layered process. For example, dry smoke residues should not come into contact with wet cleaning solutions as they can get driven deeper into surfaces and cause more loss.

The techs primarily use dry cleaning sponges to lift the dry smoke off the surface (usually walls and ceilings) and then follow up with liquid cleaners to wipe up any remaining stains.

Air Quality Measures During Fire Loss Cleanup

Soot particles carry odor wherever they are. SERVPRO techs use air scrubbers throughout the mitigation process to capture any airborne particulate in its HEPA filtration.

Call SERVPRO of North Mississauga at (905) 238-7376 when you need assistance with the restoration of your property from any size smoke and fire damage.

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