Smoke Cleanup Dos And Don'ts

By Author: Leo Nov
Total Articles: 883
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Fire is a disaster that you wouldn't wish to happen to anyone. It can start with a flicker and end up with a mile-long damage. That is why it is imperative that all homeowners have an emergency plan in place and regularly practice fire drills so when the real disaster strikes, panic wouldn't dominate the stressful scenario.

Even though your home hasn't been affected by fire per se but is nearby a big blaze, it still needs to be checked by a professional smoke cleanup company since visible signs of damage wouldn't be noticeable immediately.

Depending on the kind of surface and materials, smoke odor can penetrate walls, home insulation system, clothes, draperies, curtains and clothes. Air freshener or deodorizer can offer temporary relief but is not enough to eliminate the odor completely.

Soft materials such as upholstery, carpets, clothing, bedding and other items that are washable must be deodorized first before getting washed. It may even take several washings before the odor can be removed totally. If it's made of expensive materials, sending it to professional cleaners is the better option since they ...
... have various solutions to break down the chemicals that cause smoke odor.

Insulation materials must be replaced as these can be penetrated by smoke and the odor can stay within for a long time. Disposal of these materials though must be done by professionals as they may be toxic and need to follow strict rules and standards.

Hard surfaces such as concrete floors and walls must be cleaned thoroughly as well. Use detergent or soap for the exteriors. Then, disinfect the whole area using bleach or ammonia. There are many other disinfecting agents that can be used depending on the extent of the damage but don't attempt to mix any of these without proper knowledge or expert guidance. Chemical reaction may produce toxic fumes which can be a health risk to those present in the cleanup.

A smoke cleanup company can suggest various ways to get rid of the odor. There are sophisticated solutions and modern equipment available so every homeowner can choose according to needs and budget consideration.

Restoration after a fire disaster may take a while and can be costly too. Make sure that you check with your insurance agency regarding coverage so you can immediately start with the process.
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 clean up and fire damage repair, visit RestorationSOS.com