Steps To Clean Smoke and Soot after a Fire

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

Soot damaged wall in a New Richmond, WI home.

Minimize Smoke Damage In Your Home

A fire can be a disastrous experience to endure, and the destruction can be devastating. Extinguishing the blaze is only the first step toward recovery, and you will need to move quickly to begin the cleanup process to avoid incurring even more losses. If your home in New Richmond, WI, has been damaged by fire, follow these steps to sanitize your residence and minimize smoke damage.

Make a Plan

You will need to decide whether to tackle the cleanup process on your own or call in the professionals. Consider a few factors to help you make the right choice.

• Size of the fire
  
• Type of fire
  
• Exposure Time
  
  

If you’re dealing with a large fire that means that damage from soot and smoke can be intensive. The types of materials that were burned can also play a role in the level of difficulty in restoring your home. The length of time your belongings have been exposed to smoke is also important, and the more time passes, the more complex the cleanup can be.

Ventilate the Home

Open all the windows and doors as soon as possible after smoke damage and use fans to increase the airflow. You may even need to remove window screens to maximize the amount of fresh air inside.

Clean and Deodorize

All fabrics and upholstery may need to be washed or dry cleaned to remove lingering odors. All solid surfaces can be to be sanitized, and your HVAC will likely need attention, as well. This can be a long and tedious endeavor, but it’s essential to clean everything thoroughly to reduce smoke and soot damage.

Repaint the Walls

It may be necessary to apply new paint to the walls of your home to ensure proper smoke cleaning. Be sure to wash the walls first, and let them dry completely.

If you don’t feel prepared for the task of cleaning and sanitizing, or your problems are persisting, contact a fire restoration service to help you avoid soot and smoke damage and return your home back to normal.