How To Clean Fire & Smoke Damage Soot From Walls?

When hearing the words fire damage, most people think about charred wood or ash. But there’s more to it than that. Soot and smoke damage also fall into this category. 

We know what you’re thinking: why should I care about the different types of damage? You should care because not all fire damage is permanent or requires reconstruction. A lot of smoke and soot damage can be removed. 

If the smoke damage is extensive and the idea of doing it yourself is overwhelming, it’s best to contact a professional fire damage restoration company like DRIRITE. But, if you’re up for a challenge, check out the info below. 

How to Clean Smoke Damage Soot Off from Walls

How to Clean Smoke Damage Soot Off from Walls

Cleaning any type of smoke damage from walls, floors, or tiles by hand takes plenty of elbow grease. If you’re up for the challenge, here’s what you need to do.

Step 1: Wear Protective Gear

Soot can penetrate the skin and badly damage the lungs. Protect yourself by wearing gloves, a face mask, long sleeves, and pants. 

Step 2: Ventilate the Area

Keep the room circulated. Open windows and use fans to get the air flowing. Turn off your HVAC system to prevent spreading smoke and soot.

Step 3: Protect the Floor 

Smoke particles are easy to smudge if not cleaned properly. Cover the floor with newspapers or sheets to prevent soot from falling on it and causing further damage.

Step 4: Vacuum 

Vacuum apparent soot residue off the walls. When vacuuming residue from walls and ceilings, be sure to hold the nozzle an inch away from whatever you’re cleaning to avoid rubbing residue into the wall. 

Step 5: Use a Soot Sponge

Wipe away stains with a soot sponge. Doing this ensures the soot doesn’t cause a permanent stain.

Step 6: Wipe in a Downward Motion 

Don’t scrub the walls. We know you want to, but this causes more harm than good—trust us. Wipe in downward strokes until the surface has been cleaned. 

Pro Tip: DO NOT wet the sponge. Doing this will make removing soot ineffective.

Step 7: Clean Residual Stains

After soot has been eliminated, use a high-alkaline cleaner (ex. dish soap and water) to remove the remaining stains.

Step 8: Rinse and Dry 

Rinse residual detergent from the walls with clean water. Then thoroughly pat dry with a towel. You may also want to use fans and a dehumidifier to ensure the walls are dry.

Step 9:  Remove the Floor Cover 

Remove and throw away the floor covers to avoid transferring soot to clean surfaces.

How DRIRITE® Cleans Fire & Smoke Damage 

The Assessment

Our restoration professionals start with an assessment of the damage. This process also determines if your property is safe to enter. During the evaluation, we’ll document the property’s damages, which will help you streamline filing your insurance claim. 

Remediation

Fire and water damage can weaken your home or business’s structural integrity. The fire and smoke damage will leave your property vulnerable to vandalism, squatters, weather, and wildlife. 

Remediation includes boarding windows, doors, and other exposed areas of your home before demolition and cleaning can begin. 

Removing Smoke and Soot

Clean Fire & Smoke Damage Soot From Walls

Smoke residues are removed using air scrubbers and air movers, which improves the air quality in the house, making it safe to breathe. DRIRITE® professionals will identify all smoke damages and wear protective gear to remove the soot, ash, and other types of flame residue.

Corrosion Mitigation

Soot and ash are acidic, so they should always be removed from surface areas to prevent corrosion. The metals in your home also need to be protected from humidity. If rust has already developed, the fire damage restoration company can use rust-removal chemicals or rust converter sprays to stop the rust from progressing.

Cleaning and Sanitizing

Cleaning after a house fire is a bit more complicated than using soap and water to cleanse cabinetry, furniture, and other surfaces. Professional fire restoration companies will use air scrubbers, fogging devices, and deodorization technology to clean, sanitize, and remove odors.

Restoration

We do whatever it takes to revive your home or business to its pre-loss condition. Whether you experience fire, smoke, mold, or water damage in Tampa, DRIRITE® is ready to help. We’re one of the best fire damage, water damage, and mold remediation companies in Tampa.

We use the right equipment, follow the right protocols, are dedicated to the highest service standards, and are certified experts. With DRIRITE®‘s help, restoration is right around the corner. Contact us today for immediate assistance — we can’t wait to help you!

Call a Professional Fire Cleanup Restoration Company

If your home has sustained damage due to water, fire, smoke, storms, floods, or any other disaster, get in touch with DRIRITE® for the best Reconstruction Service. We’re the one-stop-shop Tampa residents trust to revive properties to their pre-loss conditions. Our specialists are compassionate, communicative, and respectful. DRIRITE® employs certified technicians who can provide emergency services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

We aim to revive your establishment so you and your loved ones can return to your normal routine. We Turn Chaos Into Calm™.

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