How to deal with smoke damage after a fire

1/6/2023 (Permalink)

Fire truck outside of a house fire

Fires can be incredibly devastating, and unfortunately, even after the fire is extinguished there is still work to be done. Smoke damage can linger long after the fire has been put out and must be dealt with appropriately in order to prevent further damage to your home (and your health). Let’s take a look at how to deal with smoke damage after a fire. 

Clean Up Quickly 

The first step in dealing with smoke damage is to clean up quickly and thoroughly. The longer you wait, the more time the smoke will have to penetrate into your walls and furniture, making it harder to clean up later on. If you are able, begin cleaning as soon as possible. If not, hire a professional smoke and fire restoration company that specializes in post-fire clean up for the best results. 

Remove All Contaminated Materials 

Once you’ve started cleaning up the area, you must remove all materials that have been contaminated by soot or smoke particles. This includes furniture, clothing, carpets and any other items that may have been impacted by the fire and/or smoke. It is important to note that many of these items cannot be salvaged, and they may need to be thrown away in order to prevent further contamination of your home or belongings. 

That being said, smoke damage restoration companies often specialize in contents cleaning, as well. This means that they typically have access to large industrial cleaning equipment that can effectively clean smoke damaged content and remove the odor from the material. This is usually limited to clothing, rugs, blankets, and other similar items. 

Use Professional Cleaning Equipment 

When it comes to dealing with smoke damage it is important that you use professional-grade cleaning equipment and products. Over-the-counter cleaners may not effectively remove all of the soot residue from your walls or furniture – which would leave behind an unpleasant smell or discoloration that could prove difficult to remove later on down the line. Professionals will have access to powerful cleaning agents that can quickly break down soot residue without damaging surfaces or leaving behind any unpleasant odors.   

Dealing with smoke damage after a fire can seem like an overwhelming task. However, by following our tips above – including quick clean up, removal of contaminated materials and using professional-grade cleaning equipment – you'll be well on your way towards restoring your home back to its pre-fire state in no time! Be sure to consult with a professional whenever possible for expert advice on how best to proceed when dealing with smoke damage after a fire.