Soot damage cleaning is a necessary step in restoring your home after fire. Soot is a black residue that clings to surfaces and may cause permanent damage if not properly addressed. It contains acids, chemicals, metals and dust that can harm surfaces if not removed immediately. Soot also produces a strong odor that can be very difficult to remove.
In most cases, addressing soot damage as soon as possible is essential to the restoration process and the safety of your family and pets. Soot can travel throughout your ventilation system and stick to other surfaces, so it’s important to remove it as soon as possible.
Typically, you can address soot damage by opening all doors and windows in the room to ensure proper air flow and ventilation. Remove loose soot particles by running a damp cloth across the affected area. If the surface is still greasy and oily, use a commercial soot cleaner or acidic alkaline cleaner with warm water. A mixture of 1 tablespoon of tri-sodium phosphate (or TSP) and a gallon of warm water can work well for most surfaces.
Carpets and upholstered furniture should be professionally cleaned when soot and smoke have caused extensive damage. Soot can penetrate deep into light carpet fibers, leaving dark staining. Attempting to scrub the stains can lead to permanent damage. Jon-Don carries several products specifically designed for the removal of soot and smoke stains from a variety of surfaces.
It is also a good idea to clean or discard all foods not sealed in containers and take all food items out of the refrigerator. This will help prevent any spoilage and reduce the lingering odors associated with smoke residue. soot damage cleaning