Cleaning techniques for cleaning soot and smoke residue after fire damage occurs

7/16/2015 (Permalink)

Just as fire moves rapidly through the home, soot and smoke moves quickly through the home once the fire is put out. The aftermath of soot and smoke damage is not a pretty sight and can affect just about everything in the home, but that does not mean that some things cannot be salvaged and cleaned. Depending on the type of fire that occurs and with the proper techniques, there is a possibility for a recovery of some materials. According to publichealth.lacounty.gov, there are different techniques to cleaning depending on the person’s situation.

High- oxygen fires –

            These types of fire usually result in dry, dusty soot. This type of damage would be most effectively cleaned up by using a dry sponge to remove the top layer deposits, then detergent to get the stain out and water to rinse.

Low-oxygen fires –

These fires leave a damage that is more like a greasy deposit coating. Do not start off with a dry sponge for this type of damage. This will most likely cause smearing worsening the damage. Use a high-alkali detergent mixed with warm water to wash down the area and remove the greasy deposits. Make sure to rinse thoroughly afterward to ensure that the area is clear.

Methods to cleaning heavy residue –

·      Low-pressure sandblasting

·      Sodium bicarbonate blasting

·      Dry-ice blasting

·      Power washing with stream

·      Chemical application and agitation

·      Non-destructive rubber blasting

** Safety tips to remember **

·      Do not use electrical appliances that have been near a fire.

·      Do not use ceiling fixtures on wet ceiling.

·      Get drapes and other linens dry-cleaned to eliminate transfer of soot from one area to the next.

·      Do not touch anything during first inspection.

·      Do not hesitate to contact a professional

Source - http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh/docs/emergunit/cleanFireDamage.pdf