Handling Smoke Damage Effectively

By Author: Leo Nov
Total Articles: 883
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Fire is a type of disaster that can start so little (and innocently) and end up with massive amount of damage. It is therefore vital for both home and business owners to install some kind of protection to minimize their loss in case this unfortunate incident occurs.

Fire drills must be practiced on a regular basis. This should include escape routes and proper use of fire extinguishers. Aside from the charred items, soot and smoke damage are also part of the havoc caused by fire.

So even when your property didn't burn down or just suffered minor damage, you still need to take care of the effects of smoke. One of the first things to do is to have the home or building insulation replaced. This type of material absorbs smoke odor and will stay there for a long time. Air conditioning and furnace filters must also be checked and cleaned or replaced accordingly.

Proceed with the cleaning right away. Pressure washing is necessary for various types of materials, like concrete floors and walls. Detergent is enough to clean the surface but you also need to deodorize the whole area. Upholstered furniture, draperies ...
... and carpets must be vacuumed and sent to the cleaners for proper handling. You may use vinegar and water (1 gallon of water combined with 1 cup of vinegar) solution to clean floors and various appliances.

Smoke damage may not be obvious so it is better if you consult with the experts especially regarding cleanup of painted walls or replacement of wallpapers. Linens, fabrics, clothing, curtains and other textile materials need deodorizing too. Sometimes, it takes several washings to break down smoke molecules and get rid of the smell totally. Take note though that some textile materials don't respond well to dry cleaning and retain the smoke odor permanently.

Professional help is recommended to properly rid the house of smoke odor. There are stubborn smoke odors that just wouldn't go away using regular deodorizers. Sophisticated equipment, ample training and various restoration solutions can be handled effectively by smoke damage restoration companies. If there are sensitive materials or high-value items that need restoration, contact the experts at once. Once the soot and smoke molecules settle on the affected items, the harder or longer it would take to reverse the damage.
Leo Nov is an editorial staff member of RestorationSOS.com, a leading service provider for fire and water damage cleanups. To learn more about smoke damage restoration and restoration conctractor, visit RestorationSOS.com