Cleaning up after a fire in your business or home is overwhelming, time-consuming, and extensive. Plus, you have to salvage your belongings to avoid further damage. Smoke and soot pose a threat to your family. And if neglected, they continue to corrode and damage your property.
When it comes to eliminating fire smoke and soot, one of the areas that you should focus on is your wall. They may permanently stain, etch, or discolor your walls if they remain uncleaned. You may ask, should you hire a professional for the job? Depending on the severity of the soot and smoke stains, it may be necessary to contact restoration companies, such as PuroClean. Go now here to know how it works.
What Is Soot?
Soot is a carbon residue that remains after a fire, as well as burned candles, matches, and any other burning material. When organic materials catch fire, they release VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which are extremely dangerous to human health when inhaled, ingested, or absorbed by the skin. They remain on walls and other items inside a property after a fire.
That’s why experts warn the public to take extra caution when entering a property that suffered a fire. These chemicals are especially harmful because they’re tiny and invisible to the eye. They can easily travel through the lungs into your bloodstream and can carry these toxic chemicals to your organs, including the brain.
Furthermore, smoke can damage appliances at home, like computers or stereos. Note that even if these electronics function properly after the fire, the chemicals can accumulate on their circuits, possibly leading to short circuits.
Tips on Removing Soot and Smoke Stains from Walls
Before starting with the process, you need the following materials:
- Clean rags
- Sponge
- Bucket and hot water
- Vacuum with an upholstery attachment
- Gloves and respirators
- Dry cleaning sponge
- Degreaser or Commercial soot remover
Note: If you have plaster walls, avoid using water-based cleaners.
1. Increase ventilation by opening your windows.
2. Wear a proper suit and protective gear, such as gloves and respirator, since soot can irritate your lungs and skin.
3. Cover all areas not damaged by soot. Ensure to place a drop cloth for the floor or use newspapers to cover. Move furniture or valuables away to a different room to avoid contamination.
4. Start cleaning by using your vacuum with an upholstery brush to remove soot particles. Using the brush, vacuum the affected area lightly.
5. Get your dry cleaning sponge or chemical sponge to wipe the soot. Avoid wiping the damaged wall with soot cleaner or water first, as this can spread the soot, making it hard to remove with a chemical sponge. You can use the clean side of the chemical sponge once the other side is contaminated. Grab another one if it’s needed.
6. Continue cleaning by wiping to lift the stains. Avoid a scrubbing motion because this can spread the stains or work them deeper into the surface.
7. Wash the surface with a degreaser, commercial soot remover, or dish soap. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label. Dissolve six tablespoons of dish soap or degreaser in one gallon of hot water as a rule of thumb.
8. Use the same wiping motion you used with the sponge. Rinse the rag as it gets dirty and wring it out in the bucket.
9. Wipe the walls with a bucket of fresh water.
10. Dry the wall with a clean rag and allow the wall surface to dry. You may use a fan to speed up. Some homeowners decide to give their walls a fresh coat of paint. Click here for more professional advice and tips on property restoration.
When to Call Property Restoration Professionals?
You can follow the steps above if dealing with a small stain. However, if a fire caused significant soot and smoke stains on your wall, it’s always best to call the experts. They have the experience, knowledge, and specialized tools to complete the cleanup process while you take care of your family during these difficult recovery times. Visit this page to find out more about fire damage cleanup.
