Soot Damage Tips

6/6/2018 (Permalink)

Soot and smoke damage is harmful to your health and will spread throughout the entire residence or building after a fire loss. Soot and smoke damage clean up is difficult because you will need to make sure that the soot is cleaned correctly so there is nothing harmful left behind.   With smoke damage even a light coating of soot can be permanently embedded into items if professional restoration techniques are not used. 

Below are some tips we tell our customers when they call in for fire damage, and soot damage to their home.  They are not all inclusive in nature, and are not a substitute for professional services like  what we provide. 

Fire and Smoke Do's:

• Limit the movement in the home to prevent spreading and embedding soot particles.
• Clean and protect chrome trim on kitchen appliances with a light coating of petroleum jelly or other oil.
• Clean and coat any metal, brass, or copper that may be restored with oil.
• Blow off or brush-vacuum loose soot and particles from upholstery, carpeting and drapes.
• Open windows to begin to air out the property.
• Wash plants with water.
• Change the furnace filter (if the furnace is operating).
• Empty the refrigerator or freezer (if electricity is off) and prop doors open.

Don'ts:

• Do not attempt to clean or wash as absorbent surfaces i.e. walls, ceilings, etc.
• Do not use upholstered furniture.
• Do not use any food items that have been exposed to high heat or smoke.
• Do not use electronics until they have been professionally checked and cleaned.

SERVPRO of LaGrange Park/North Riverside takes care to insure that your soot and smoke damaged contents are restored properly to prevent further degradation of property or your health.  Give us a call at 708-240-4873 for all your fire, smoke, and soot damage needs.