How to clean up Smoke and Soot from a fire

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

Cleaning Techniques for Specific Materials For Curtains and Upholstery: If soot has been deposited, it will be necessary to deal with it before cleaning and odor relief. Soot is oil and should be removed as much as possible with a powerful vacuum. On sooty fabrics, do not use an upright vacuum or any machine or attachment with brushes or beater bars, as it will force soot into your other possessions and make them much more difficult to clean. Hold the vacuum nozzle slightly above the surface and let the vacuum do the work in lifting soot from the surface. Remember to cover any cleaned possessions immediately after cleaning with clean sheets to prevent re-soiling during your other clean–up efforts. For Carpet: Use a rotary scrubber or an extraction machine from a rental outlet or supermarket, or hire a professional carpet cleaner. For Clothes and Bedding: Smoke odors can remain in fabrics for a very long time until all of the unburned chemicals have been removed. Many of them are invisible to the eye. Soak overnight with detergent and wash normal. For items that can be bleached, add laundry bleach as normal during the wash cycle. For Hard Materials – Porous (Painted surfaces, wallboard, plaster, wall paper, exposed wood): If soot is present on porous surfaces, we recommend the use of a dry chemical sponge to remove as much soot as possible. This step can prevent soil from being transferred deep into the surface where it may show as a permanent stain. For Hard Materials – Less Porous: Use a sponge, towel or mop with household cleaning detergent to clean tile, countertops, sealed wood, glass, metal, appliances, and vinyl wallpaper. Safety Tips During Restoration · Do not use electrical appliances that have been near a fire. · Do not use ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. · Do not touch anything during your first inspection to prevent transferring soot from item to item. · Do not wash drapes or other materials that may require dry cleaning. · Do not hesitate to seek professional help in restoration effort.

http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh/docs/emergunit/cleanFireDamage.pdf

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.