Fire and Smoke

Fire and Smoke Damage

Smoke residues are the product of incomplete combustion (PIC). These residues can be light and fluffy or thick and sticky and everything in between.  Lighter gray to black residues are common after natural substances burn such as wood or paper and tend to be dryer.  When synthetics burn the residues tend to be more corrosive, sticky and more difficult to remove and deodorize.  Protein residues from burned meat often leave a white or very light residues.  Because of the light colored residues property owners do not get the visual impact of the damage and tend to understate the scope of the loss.  Protein residues can be among the more difficult to deodorize because they are often under-cleaned.  If your 15-pound turkey was burned and left 2 ounces of ash in the pan, there are 14 pounds & 14 ounces of turkey on your walls, ceilings contents and floors.  Detailed cleaning of all of the surfaces (walls, ceiling, contents, drapes, upholstery, carpet, floors, etc.) along with proper deodorizing is necessary for effective odor control.

There are several key steps to effective odor control and the professionals at Captain Clean know that removing and neutralizing the odor is far more effective that simply covering odors up.  We can also evaluate when surfaces can be cleaned or when they will need more aggressive restoration, refinishing or replacement.  Our crews are experienced in cleaning all types of surfaces and contents, including electronics, trophy mounts, stuffed toys, art work (including oil paintings), antiques and collectibles.

For heavy smoke and heat damage soda blasting is often used to restore structural components.  The blast media is a mild abrasive that leaves surfaces with a like-new appearance while effectively neutralizing odors.  Our crews follow this aggressive cleaning technique with a special clear odor sealer/neutralizer to totally eliminate any chance of recurring odor.

Fire/Smoke Damage Do’s-n-Don’ts

After fire damage, it is normal to want to clean a building and its contents. Timely action can be a great help, but incorrect or delayed action can jeopardize or seriously impede satisfactory restoration.

Do’s:

• Clean and protect chrome trim on kitchen appliances with a light coating of Vaseline or other oil.
• Blow off or brush-vacuum loose smoke particles from upholstery, drapery and carpet.
• Clean and protect smoked bathroom faucets, tub fittings and towel bars with light coating of oil.
• Call plumber to drain heating system if heat is off in winter.
• Open windows for ventilation.
• Change furnace filter if blower is operating.
• Empty freezer and refrigerator completely if electricity is off, and prop doors open with a rolled towel or newspaper.
• Pour antifreeze in toilet bowels, sinks, and tubs to prevent freezing if heat is off in winter.
• Remove pets (especially birds) to clean environments.
• Wash plants with water on both sides of leaves (water softener help

Don’ts:

• Wipe or attempt to wash walls, ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
• Use exposed food items, or canned goods which have been subjected to excessive heat.
• Use upholstered furniture if it can be avoided.
• Use TV’s, stereos, or electrical appliances until cleaned and checked.

Send smoked garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Soot (Furnace) Damage Do’s-n-Don’ts

Although smoke and soot may seem to be identical, experienced professionals recognize the important differences and appropriate emergency action can help in restoring walls and furnishings damaged by soot. Wrong action can make restoration more difficult and could greatly delay your “return to normal.” These Emergency Tips can increase the chances for prompt and successful restoration.

Do’s:

• Change furnace filter.
• Cover upholstery with clean sheets before use.
• Tape doubled pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
• Blow off or brush-vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery, drapes and carpeting.

Don’ts:

• Attempt to clean walls or ceilings.
• Use do-it-yourself, home carpet or upholstery cleaners.

 

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Captain Clean, Inc.  208 W. Brundage Street, Sheridan, WY  82801

307-672-0726        888-626-1787
Office Hours 8-5 M-F 
info@captainclean.com

24 Hour Emergency Service