Cleaning Up Smoke Damage: The Best Products to Help You in the Process

All of us wish that cleaning up the damage made by smoke is as easy as leaving the house to air out. Sadly, this is not the case. Due to the acidic nature of smoke and the residue odors and harmful particles, the cleanup must be thorough in order for you to keep living under healthy conditions. 

The good news is that you can clean smoke damage, and there are several products on the market that can help you with it. If you are wondering where to start, which smoke damage cleaning products to purchase, and where to ask for help, you are at the right place. Keep reading below to get the answers.

Can You Clean Smoke Damage?

Before moving on to present you with much-needed knowledge on cleaning smoke damage, you must note that there is a distinct difference between fire damage which refers to melting, physical damage caused by heat, and the damage caused by smoke. Many assume that the damage caused by fire is permanent; however, most of the time, smoke damage can be removed. 

Your approach toward smoke damage removal mainly depends on whether or not the surfaces are porous or nonporous. Cleaning products for smoke damage will be a necessity, and you might find yourself in need of water damage removal as well once the fire has been extinguished. 

How to Identify Smoke Damage

Smoke damage is not restricted solely to the areas where the fire happened and might be visible in spaces where there is no apparent fire damage. This is why it is important to inspect your living space closely. To spot areas and objects that require your intervention, be on the lookout for: 

• Discolored paint
• Blackened areas 
• Black dust 

Smoke Damage Cleaning Products: The Essentials

As we mentioned, smoke damage can be cleaned in most cases, but you need to use the right cleaning products. Luckily, there are some commercial products that everyone can get their hands on and use to clean the created damage. 

Below, we will take a look into commercial smoke damage cleaning products which can help you restore the look of your place and get rid of any remaining odor. 

Absorene Wall Cleaner 

If the damage made is on your walls, then this wall cleaner can help remove it. Absorene comes in the form of a non-crumbly paste made from salt, flour, water with small mineral spirits, and colorant. It can be used to remove dirt and smoke damage for different types of wall surfaces, including tapestry, wall paintings, ceiling tiles, wallpaper, and more. 

Unsmoke Wall Wash 

If you are not a fan of paste cleaning products, you can opt for a liquid-based wall cleaner. This one is specially formulated to remove smoke residue and soot from hard surfaces and walls. It is tailored for deodorizing and also contains brightening agents to fully get rid of the dark spots caused by burning. 

Unsome Air Neutralizer 

This is one of the fire damage cleaning products that is specifically designed to remove fire and smoke odors from textiles and hard surfaces. It is a liquid-based solution and is completely safe to combine with other products and used as an additive. 

Dry Cleaning Soot Sponges 

These sponges are made of natural rubber, which makes them perfect for cleaning dirt and soot-cover surfaces. The sponges are non-greasy, meaning they will not leave any residue behind, making them a good choice for delicate fabrics as well. They come in three different sizes (small, medium, and large) to fit varying cleaning needs. 

Unsmoke Woodcraft Restoration Cleaner 

Another useful cleaner from the list of smoke damage cleaning products is the Unsmoke Woodcraft Restoration Cleaner. This wood cleaner successfully replaces essential oils removed from heat. It is quite versatile and may be used on metal, plastic, and fiberglass. 

Unsmoke removes odor from wood surfaces; however, it is not meant for the unfinished wood. It is very easy to use because it comes as a hand pump, so all you have to do is spray it on a dry cloth and use it to clean the smoke-damaged surface. 

Odor and Stain Blocker With a Spray System 

This handy product is designed to help tackle medium to large-scale projects, meaning it is a great choice for those who have lived through a recent small house fire. It can be used as both a primer and a finishing coat that permanently encapsulates odors and stains. Another great feature of this tool is that it has a 30-minute dry time. 

Removing Smoke Damage: What Else Do You Need?

Besides the right smoke damage removal products, you will also need the right equipment to prepare for cleaning the place. What’s more, after you have done the initial clean-up process, there are a few extra practices that involve home remedies that you need to do to make sure everything is cleaned properly. 

Cleaning Equipment You Need When Removing Smoke Damage

If you decide to do your own bidding and clean up, you must make sure that you are suitably clothed and protected. This way, you can protect yourself from any unwanted danger or harm. Here is a list of all the equipment and clothing you will need: 

• Gloves 
• Eye protection 
• Long-sleeved pants and blouse 
• Sheets and plastic (to protect the furniture with)
• Clean rags 
• Fan 
• Vacuum with an upholstery attachment 
• Bucket 

Essential Smoke Damage Cleaning Practices

Cleaning the damage caused by smoke is not only purchasing the products and using them. You need to use some other practices as well to make sure that you have fully cleaned your home and don’t cause additional damage; thus, end up with even more problems.

Removing Blistering 

Before you start repainting, you need to remove all the blistering caused by the fire. Here’s how: 

1. Take a putty knife and scrape away the blistering. 
2. Apply spackling paste as a finish before you start painting. 

Soot Removing 

You can also clean soot by using simple home remedies. Below is one option you can try:

1. Pour 1 tablespoon of TPS into a gallon of warm water. 
2. Use it to sponge the target area and rinse with a clean cloth once finished. 
3. Repeat as many times as necessary without soaking the floors, walls, or ceiling. 

Removing Smoke Odors 

Smoke odor can also be targeted with some common household items. You can try the following: 

1. Spread bowls of baking soda around the place to absorb the odor. 
2. Place a few bowls of vinegar around the smoke-damaged place to soak up any remaining odors. 

What’s the Best Cleaner for Smoke Damage? 

Clearing fire and smoke damage can be a heavy-duty procedure, and not everyone is always able to do it. That is when you can turn to the best cleaner for smoke damage – the team at Steamy Concepts! 

Leave any type of damage to your place – from fire and smoke to water and more – to certified technicians, and we’ll get rid of unpleasant odor and any other damage that might not be so apparent to your eye. 

Contact us today and learn more about how we can help you clean your home.

The Aftermath of the Fire: Cleaning Up the Damage

A fire can be an unexpected occurrence that can change your life. If the fire doesn’t do much damage to your home, then the solutions are simple and easy. There are plenty of options and home remedies that you can use to clean the damage.

However, there is no single solution to smoke damage problems. Restoring the damage is a complex procedure and requires different practices based on the severity of the damage. The products and practices that we mentioned in the text above can help you restore the look and feel of your place. 

But if the damage caused is more severe and these tips can’t help, then it is time to hire professionals!

FAQs About Cleaning Up Smoke Damage

Can you clean smoke damage yourself?

Yes, you can. However, when cleaning up smoke damage, it is always recommended that you be extra cautious. Hiring certified professionals is an option that can be of immense help, especially in more complex situations.

What can be saved from smoke damage?

Depending on the severity of the fire, sometimes your home may be completely saved. However, firefighters often use chemicals when putting out the fire, which might leave residue on your household items and clothing. In these cases, it is better to consult with a professional to see what you can save. 

How long does it take to get rid of smoke damage?

The soot removal process may take anywhere between 4 to 10 days. However, this largely depends on the severity of the fire. Overall, the smoke damage cleanup will be determined by the fire damage, but the entire restoration process can take weeks or months.  

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