How to Clean Smoke Damage

Fires can cause extensive destruction and leave irreversible damage to a home or business. Even lesser destructive fires can leave permanent stains on a home. Smoke damage can occur after any size fire and can linger in a building far after the event has ended. This type of damage can further deteriorate materials and cause extensive damage. 

United Water Restoration Group, a company that focuses on water, mold, and fire damage restoration, would like to discuss how to clean up smoke damage. While some instances of smoke damage can be solved by the owner of the building, larger amounts of damage may require a damage restoration company, like United Water Restoration Group. 

What is Smoke Damage?

Smoke damage can appear differently depending on the material, severity, and location of the damage. This form of damage can hurt various objects and cause lingering issues. For furniture and walls, it can stain and absorb scents. While it doesn’t sound too bad, the smoke damage can cause further damage as it sticks around. 

Smoke damage isn’t damage directly caused by a fire. Rather, it is damage caused by the fuel that fed the fire. Smoke damage can deteriorate and cause massive amounts of damage, but the way it harms materials is very different from fire damage.

Oftentimes, smoke leaves a greasy layer of stain that can be challenging to clean up. Since heat rises, smoke does, too. It can find porous materials or crevices to root into and stain. Smoke inhalation is a very serious health risk and should be avoided at all costs.

How to Clean Smoke Damage

Smoke can be removed in a number of ways and it vastly depends on the scenario and the type of material. For any smoke-related damage, the immediate first step is the ventilation of the affected areas. Be sure to open up all your windows, and, if possible, your doors. This will help flush out unpleasant scents and bring in the fresh air. 

Depending on the situation you are dealing with, there may be several routes to take. For furniture, you will need a vacuum and various smoke cleaners, such as deodorizing products. If you have damage on your walls, you will want to start out with using a dry chemical sponge, like the magic eraser. This will help remove the base layer of stains before using heavier products.

If you go with cleaners like paint thinner, vinegar solutions, or bleach before the chemical sponge, the damage can smear and stain deeper into the wall.  Before using any chemicals, be sure to read the instructions and practice safety. You should wear goggles and gloves when physically handling any potentially unsafe chemicals. Trisodium phosphate is one of the most common chemical compounds used to help erase smoke.

To craft a solution, you will place one tablespoon of TSP per gallon of warm water used. Again, wear protective gear such as goggles and gloves while cleaning up any damage with chemicals. 

Smoke Damage Restoration

While some home or business owners may be up for the task, others may have extensive damage that requires professional assistance. United Water Restoration Group can assist with minor or extensive damage. Call our technicians at (800) 430-5838 for assist in removing all stains and noticeable damage caused by smoke.

United Water Restoration Group has offices located all around the United States. To locate the closest office to you, check out our database and input your zip code. If you are dealing with an emergency and need professional restoration help, contact our emergency hotline at (800) 430-5838. We provide services in Ormond Beach, Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, Daytona Beach, Florida, Orlando, Florida, Tampa, Florida, Melbourne, Florida, and many other locations around Florida!