Mishaps happen, from an out-of-control barbeque grill to accidental house fires. These incidents leave behind an unsightly discoloration and oily residue. As a result, there’s no other option but to clean it as quickly as possible. If you don’t immediately take care of this issue, it can leave a lingering smoke smell that can last for weeks, affecting everything in a home. So how can you take care of smoke and soot residue?
Luckily, learning how to clean soot and smoke stains after a fire doesn’t require too much elbow grease, whether it’s smoke stains in a fireplace or on the walls after a candle had lit the curtains on fire. Leaving residue unattended can also increase health risks, so you need to clean it as soon as possible.
What Is Soot?
Smoke particles, also known as soot or char, are carbon residue that remains after a fire. Since soot particles are acidic, they smudge easily and cling aggressively to walls. The consistency falls between an oily film or a dry powder, depending on the source, and the color can range from light gray to black.
You can risk inhaling the tiny particles if you leave soot unattended, letting them enter your bloodstream. So it’s necessary to clean them with the proper restoration cleaning supplies to remove as much soot as possible. Taking the necessary precautions beforehand will better your health and help with removing soot residue efficiently.
Clean Up Preparation
Using the proper cleaning solution for smoke stains can prevent discoloring or diminishing the surfaces it’s applied to. From removing smoke stains from a barbeque grill to candle smoke stains off of walls, non-abrasive cleaners, degreasers, stain removers, and deodorizers assist in removing odors and stains.
Depending on the surface that needs stain removal, cleaning requires specific supplies and equipment. It will prevent you from inhaling particles while preventing soot spread to other rooms. Some good pointers are never interacting with anything during your first inspection to avoid soot transferring. Also, consider wearing gloves, a face mask, and clothing covering the skin. Finally, ensure you have proper ventilation in the area.
Cleaning Out Soot and Smoke Stains
Professional steps need to be taken seriously for knowing how to clean soot and smoke stains after a fire. Improper cleaning protocols can further damage and increase health risks, leading to respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer. A few pieces of equipment you will need include:
- Dry cleaning or chemical sponges
- Commercial air scrubbers
- High alkali degreaser or detergent
- Cleaning solutions
- Extraction tools
Another item that can help is a commercial-grade vacuum with a HEPA filter attachment. That way, you can remove soot, odor, and smoke safety from most surfaces. So it’s vital to deodorize the air, as well. Technique and execution are just as important as the equipment since soot can stick on surfaces.
Removing Soot From Brick
When a fire is out of control in a fireplace, cleaning off brick may feel redundant. Many homeowners assume that soot stains in a fireplace are standard and need no attention. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. As soot sits on brick, it can further damage and deteriorate them. So it’s optimal to clean the fireplace efficiently.
Starting with a white vinegar and water mixture can help loosen up soot residue left behind from the fire. Follow up with an old toothbrush, dip it in baking soda, and scrub away at the tough spots that refuse to budge. Lastly, follow up with a commercial cleaner to do one last clean and rinse it gently with warm water. Do this as many times as necessary to remove as much residue as possible.
Cleaning Stains From Walls
Start with a scraping knife and remove any soot residue off the walls before painting or washing it. From there, grab buckets of warm water, rags, and sponges, then wipe away at the walls. Since removing soot stains can become a dirty job, consider specific cleanup regulations for every job site.
It’s essential to rinse sponges in clean water in between each swipe made across the walls. It ensures that you remove the dirt and debris from the surface. Once you wipe down the walls, allow them time to dry thoroughly before applying new paint or wallpaper.
In almost all situations, you clean the walls starting at the bottom and working your way up the walls to avoid drip marks that may be unremovable.
Soot Removal From Carpets
When soot residue falls onto the carpets, removing it from the deep, grippy fibers can become a pain. Remove any visible soot chunks immediately; then, pry up any other large lumps with a tool. Once you take care of the visible pieces, vacuum over the carpet to remove the powder residue.
After vacuuming the area, take a damp cloth with appropriate cleaning fluid to blot any stained spots. Let it sit for a few minutes, then blot it again with a clean, dampened cloth. Too much moisture can promote the growth of mold and mildew. After you’ve removed the stain, let the carpet dry.
Clean Off the Wood
House fires can devastate families, taking away their livelihoods in a short time. Soot left behind can irritate their lungs significantly if it affects the interior wood. So clean the wood properly to help the family stay healthy without replacing the wood.
If the home comes with wooden floors, avoid using vinegar. Vinegar can leave stains behind while ruining the wood’s quality. So use the appropriate wood cleaner and clean the floors liberally with a damp cloth. It will help remove any lingering soot and make the floors look perfect.
Properly Clean Off the Metal
House fires tend to leave black stains on surrounding metals in the home. It can look unsightly and leave the residents unhappy, so it’s vital to know how to remove soot residue from any appliances and furniture.
Start with taking any non-electrical metals outside and spraying them down with a hose until the residue comes off. From there, wipe down any other metal with the proper cleaning solution to remove soot and wipe clean. Afterward, let it dry completely to prevent rust accumulation.
House fires shouldn’t become a hassle for cleaning. Visit us at Clean Pro Supply, and we will provide commercial-grade cleaning products just right for you. From extraction vacuums to cleaning solutions, we have you covered.