It's every homeowner's worst nightmare: A fire that endangers the safety of their family, and ravages their home and belongings. Fortunately, not all fires are devastating; many are caught in time and extinguished, leaving the damage confined to just one area of the house. However, keep in mind that just because the fire was minor doesn't mean that the stress of cleanup won't be major. Smoke damage in particular can be a persistent problem that is tough to overcome. From staining and discoloration to the acrid and lingering odor of the smoke, serious smoke damage cleanup is required to restore your home to its former state. Here are some tips on how to overcome smoke damage and put your life back in order:
- Remember, safety first - and that means donning the right protective gear before you begin the cleaning process. You'll need protective clothing (such as coveralls), gloves and a face mask with a respirator in order to be completely shielded from the potential health risks associated with smoke, ash and soot.
- Next, air out your home. Even if the damage is confined to a small area, it will be helpful to open all windows and doors and allow fresh air to flow throughout the entire structure. To encourage air circulation, turn on fans (industrial fans are preferable) and aim them toward the windows. This will help push the smoky air outside.
- Take a look inside of the kitchen. Do you have any food or beverages that may have been exposed to smoke? Throw out anything that's not in a sealed, airtight container or can. If you eat contaminated food, you risk serious illness.
- Appliances and nonporous surfaces like counter tops should be thoroughly disinfected with a cleanser specifically made to combat smoke damage. Remember to wear gloves and keep your face mask in place at all times to avoid inhaling noxious fumes or allowing dangerous chemicals to come in contact with your skin.
- Soot-stained filters in your home's heating and air conditioning systems should be thrown out and replaced.
- Depending on the extent of the damage, walls can either be scrubbed and disinfected, or cleaned and repainted.
- Fabrics and upholstery, including clothes, linens, area carpets and window treatments, should be laundered or professionally cleaned.
- A professional smoke damage restoration specialist should be consulted regarding how to properly clean delicate items like books, personal documents (including photos and papers) and furniture, which can be tricky to completely restore.
- If the smell of smoke lingers, a smoke damage cleanup company should be contacted right away. They can use industrial strength ozone generators to neutralize, rather than cover up, the smoky odor.
If you follow these steps for fire damage restoration you'll be on the right track to getting your home back to normal.
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