Cleaning up and Removing Smoke Odor after a Fire

11/11/2016 (Permalink)

-There are some products available for fabrics.

These products will list these properties on the label. A product with tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) is a common cleaning agent. It can be purchased under the generic name TSP. It is a caustic substance and should be used with care. Use and store it out of reach of children and pets. Read the label for further information and safety instructions.

Any product that is not clearly described as suitable for use on personal clothing or fabrics that come in contact with skin should never be used for the removal of smoke odors from clothing.

-Test garments before using any treatment, and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Smoke odor and soot can sometimes be washed from clothing, that can be bleached with 4 to 6 tbsp. Tri-Sodium Phosphate, 1 cup household cleaner or chlorine bleach, to every gallon of warm water. Mix well, add clothes and rinse with clear water. Dry thoroughly. 

Alternatively, consider washing clothes in cold water with your usual household laundry detergent, and adding one tablespoon or pure vanilla extract. The solution also has been shown to remove smoke odors on kitchen surfaces and washable furniture. To remove soot and smoke or mix together 4 to 6 tbsp. tri-sodium phosphate and 1 cup household cleaner or chlorine bleach to every gallon of warm water. Wear rubber gloves when cleaning with this solution. Be sure to rinse your walls and furniture with clear warm water and dry thoroughly after washing them with this.

-Pots, pans, flatware, etc., should be washed with soapy water, rinsed and then polished with a fine-powdered cleaner.

You can polish copper and brass with salt sprinkled on a piece of lemon, or salt sprinkled on a cloth saturated with vinegar.

-Wipe leather goods with a damp cloth, then a dry cloth.

Stuff purses and shoes with newspaper to retain shape. Leave suitcases open. Leather goods should be dried away from heat and sun. When leather goods are dry, clean with saddle soap. Rinse leather and suede jackets in cold water and dry away from heat and sun.

-Washable wallpaper can be cleansed like painted walls, but do not wet through the paper.

Work from bottom to top to prevent streaking. Use a commercial paste to re-paste any loose edges or sections.

Wash a small area of the walls at a time, working from the floor up. Then rinse the wall with clear water immediately. Ceilings should be washed last. Do not repaint until walls and ceilings are completely dry.

Reduce the chances of growth of mold and mildew by wiping down all surfaces that had gotten wet with a solution of one cup of liquid household bleach to a gallon of water. Test painted, textured or wallpapered surfaces to ensure that the bleach solution will not discolor these surfaces. To conduct this test, wipe a small area of the surface with bleach solution, and allow it to dry at least 24 hours. 

-Consult a professional about replacing drywall and insulation that has been soaked by water from fire hoses.

Water-damaged drywall and insulation must be replaced. It can not be dried out and maintain structural integrity or resistance to mold and mildew.

Fires can be especially devastating to your home or business. After the fire trucks leave, your property will likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also widespread water damage and flooding from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby Franchise Professionals have specialized fire and water damage restoration training and experience to quickly clean up and restore your home to pre-fire condition. They also can remove the pervasive smoke odor and deep-clean soot from upholstery and carpet.