How to Clean Up Smoke Damage After a Fire

How to Clean Smoke Damage

There are few accidents that can leave such a big mark on your home like a house fire. Once the danger has passed and it’s safe to enter your home again, it’s important to act quickly to remove any traces of smoke damage. While it may be hard to know exactly where to start, with a few helpful tips, you can learn how to clean smoke damage on your own. However, professional smoke damage cleaning may still be necessary to restore your home to its former glory.

Fire and Smoke Damage Cleaning Tips

If you’re interested in doing some of the smoke damage cleaning after a fire, it’s very important to follow proper safety steps to prevent any respiratory issues. Soot and charring are common issues after a house fire, so be sure to invest in the following items before you begin the cleaning process:
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Large Buckets
  • Safety Goggles
  • Safety Masks
  • Rags for Cleaning
  • Large Cleaning Sponges
  • Warm Water
  • TSP or Trisodium Phosphate Cleaner (1 tbsp)

Cleaning Process

Begin the cleaning process by vacuuming any surface soot and residue. Wear heavy-duty rubber gloves to protect your hands and mix TSP with 1 gallon of warm water in a bucket. Soak the sponge in TSP solution and ring out any extra water. Working section by section, wipe the surface with the sponge, using hard and firm strokes. Once the solution has been applied to the smoke damaged surface, dip a clean rag into a clean bucket of warm water and rinse the residue away. Complete each step until the area is clean from all smoke damage residue. Take extra care not to soak the walls and ceiling with the TSP solution and remember that you may need to repeat these steps several times before the smoke damage lifts completely. After you clean all signs of the smoke damage, you can repaint your walls with primer and a fresh coat of paint.

How Can You Clear Smoke Damage Odors?

After a house fire, simple room deodorants and candles can’t really cover the strong smoke stench left behind. To deal with the smoke odor, you’ll have to use something that can disable the strong smell on a molecular level. While you can try at-home remedies for smoke damage, many homes need a professional restoration cleaning team like at Zona Restoration to clean everything properly.

Smoke Odor Removal Options

Certain household remedies may help to remove smoke damage odors from your home, including:
  • White Vinegar – Use white vinegar to wipe down any smoke damaged surfaces after they have been cleaned. Vinegar can be used on furniture, floors, ceilings, walls, and more.
  • Baking Soda – Baking soda works to naturally to absorb strong smells. Simply leave it out in a bowl in each room or sprinkle some along furniture items.
  • Activated Charcoal – Another natural odor absorber, activated charcoal can be used in powder form to remove smoke odor from the different rooms in your home.
  • Ozone Generator – While these can be costly, they are very effective in removing the strong smoke smells that are left over after a fire.

Do I Need Professional Smoke Damage Cleaning?

While you may be interested in learning how to clean smoke damage on your own, the only guaranteed way to restore your home after a fire is with the help of a professional smoke cleaning team. At Zona Restoration, our team of experienced technicians can safely remove fire damage and clear out smoke damage odor in your home. Visit us online today for more information or to schedule an initial consultation.