How to Remove Smoke Damage

If you have a fire that has more smoke damage than burn damage, the smoke can cause a lot of soot. It must be cleaned as soon as possible to remove the odors that are left behind from the smoke damage. The longer you wait, the longer it will take you to clean it up.

1. Open the windows and doors in the structure as soon as you can. This will help air circulate. Turn on electric fans, if you have any. Remove all furniture from the structure and take outside where they will be safe to let them air out. Remove all curtains and send to a dry cleaner to be cleaned.


2. Remove all debris from the structure. Start using a broom and remove all large parts. Use a vacuum cleaner when you are done with the broom to remove all dust and soot left over from the floors. Use the attachments on the vacuum cleaner to remove dust and soot from the walls and ceiling. Use a dry chemical sponge to wipe down the walls, ceilings, ceiling fans, and lamps.


3. Wash all fabrics that can be machine washed using a phosphate detergent. Add bleach to white fabrics.


4. Have the carpets cleaned by a professional. This person can also clean the furniture in the structure, if it is washable. This is the best way to remove the soot and smell from the carpet, as professionals have the equipment needed to do this type of job.


5. Use odor control blocks throughout the structure when you are finished cleaning. Put new filters in the central heating and air unit. If you are going to repaint any walls, be sure to seal them first to prevent stains or odor from coming out on the new paint.