Lake Martin Fire Damage--A Smoky Cleanup

5/9/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Tip: Keep Smoke Detectors Functioning to Help Prevent Lake Martin Fire Damage

SERVPRO Can Clean a Fire & Smoke Damaged Property in Lake Martin

If you are left with fire damage in Lake Martin, you can be feeling quite overwhelmed, especially depending on how severe the damage is and if you also have water damage from when the fire was put out. You can, however, begin to pick up the pieces and get back to a normal semblance of life by starting to clean up the mess that the smoke and soot from the fire has left behind.

Heavy Residue Cleanup
This could require assistance from a professional fire restoration company, and cleaning methods can include the following: 
Sodium bicarbonate blasting
Low-pressure sandblasting
Chemical application and agitation
Dry ice blasting
Non-destructive rubber blasting
Power washing with steam

Techniques for Cleaning Specific Materials
For Upholstery and Curtains – If soot has been deposited, you’ll need to deal with it before getting odor relief or cleaning. Soot is an oily residue and needs to be removed with care to avoid smearing and staining. You can use a powerful vacuum. The chances of you staining your furnishings and other items are very great. We strongly suggest that you secure the services of a professional fire damage restoration team, with the proper equipment and expertise to resolve these dirty issues.With sooty fabrics, don’t use an upright vacuum or any machine or attachment with beater bars or brushes, since it will force the soot into surrounding objects and make them more challenging to clean. Position the vacuum nozzle just above the surface and allow the vacuum to do its work in lifting out the soot from the surface. Don’t forget to cover any possessions after cleaning them with sheets to stop them from getting dirty again while you are cleaning everything else.

For Carpeting – Use an extraction machine or rotary scrubber from a supermarket or rental outlet, or use a professional carpet cleaner. Even better, use a professional fire damage restoration company like SERVPRO.

For Bedding and Clothes – Odors of smoke can stay in fabrics quite a long time until all of the unburned chemicals are removed. A lot of them are not visible to the naked eye. Soak them overnight with detergent and wash them as usual. When items can be bleached, add laundry bleach per usual during the wash cycle.

Hard Materials which are Porous – If soot is present on porous surfaces such as plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, painted surfaces or exposed wood, it is recommended that you use a dry chemical sponge to get as much of the soot off as possible. This can stop soil from being transferred deeply into the surface where it might look like a stain which is permanent.

Hard Materials which are Less Porous – Use a towel, sponge or mop with a cleaning detergent to wipe down countertops, clean tile, metal, sealed wood, vinyl wallpaper, and appliances.

Safety Tips for Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration 
If the ceiling is wet, don’t use ceiling fixtures.
Don’t use electrical appliances which have been close to fire.
Don’t wash drapes or other materials that need dry cleaning.
Don’t touch anything in your first inspection to stop transferring soot from each thing to another. Wear latex or another type of gloves.

Don’t hesitate to ask a professional for help in your restoration efforts after Lake Martin fire damage. No matter what, clean up as soon as you can to also prevent mold from forming on porous surfaces which got wet. Contact SERVPRO of Montgomery North for all your professional cleanup needs. You can reach us 24/7 at (334) 273-0992.