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How Do You Clean Smoke Damage?


A man with a safety mask and blue sweatshirt peeling smoke-damaged paint off the ceiling of an El Paso home.

Smoke damage can be an incredibly difficult issue to tackle for any home or business. Not only can smoke damage cause a lingering smell and discoloration of your walls, but it can also cause serious health risks if not taken care of properly.


Fortunately, there are professionals who specialize in smoke damage restoration. Complete Fire & Water Restoration provides expert fire and water damage restoration services, making us your best choice for restoring your property from smoke damage.


If your El Paso home or business has experienced smoke damage, Complete Fire & Water Restoration can help. Contact us online or call (915) 999-1066 to learn more about our services.


The Different Types of Smoke


The effects of a fire in a home or business reach beyond what is burned by the flames. The smoke residue left behind can cause problems for weeks after the initial damage. The types of smoke-induced destruction depend on temperature, source material, and position of the fire. Every repair solution varies slightly from another.


Here are the most common types of smoke damage:

  • Dry Smoke

  • Protein Residue

  • Fuel/Oil Residue

  • Wet Smoke

Begin Cleaning up Smoke Damage in Your Home


Once you've had a chance to take stock of the damage and come to terms with it, assess the ceiling and walls for smoke residue. From there, determine what can be handled yourself versus what needs professional attention. Be sure to handle any cleanup or repair measures with caution so as not to worsen the situation.


Removing Smoke Damage from Walls and Ceilings


To prevent further damage, it is essential to proceed with caution while cleaning ceilings and walls. To begin, position a drop cloth beneath the surfaces that will be cleaned. Carefully vacuum the space, making sure not to make contact with the wall. Hover the vacuum over any soot-affected regions instead of rubbing it to stop smearing particles.


Removing Smoke Stains from Hardwood Floors


Cleaning your floors is an easy process, no matter the type; hardwood, vinyl, or tile. Start by clearing the area of furniture and other items. Utilize a vacuum to take care of dirt and debris, then mix your floor cleaner with warm water according to the bottle's instructions. Work in sections as you mop and use a shop vac, dry mop, or towel afterward to dry each part, avoiding streaking completely.


Removing Smoke damage from Furniture

To salvage your furniture, take a dry chemical sponge and wipe down any wood surfaces. Remember to be gentle as you don't want to push the smoking participles further into the grain of the wood. After this is complete, use a cotton cloth dipped in a mixture of 1/4 cup oil soap solution and one gallon of water, lightly cleaning all wood pieces.


Cleaning Smoke Damage Carpet and Upholstery


Begin using a vacuum to eliminate any surface debris in the affected regions. Do not utilize a brush attachment since it may push soot deeper into the material's fibers. Rent a non-steam carpet cleaner from the local grocery, hardware, or home improvement store. Additionally, if you can detach the upholstery, take it off of its furniture and wash it with cold water.


Removing Smoke Odors in Your Home


Once the dust has settled, and all repairs are made, your home may still be left with an unwelcome fragrance of smoke. This potent and stubborn scent can linger. However, there are ways to remove it from your space. Try leaving the windows open for as long as you can to allow for airflow; invest in cleaning products that eliminate odors instead of simply masking them; and lastly, combine water with white vinegar to wipe down surfaces.


Hire a Professional for Smoke Damage Restoration Company in El Paso


For both residential and commercial properties in El Paso and surrounding areas, Complete Fire and Water Restoration provides local restoration services for damages caused by fire, water, flooding, or smoke. With our 24/7 emergency repair firm, we have the expertise to manage minor kitchen fires as well as entire home or business remodeling and recovery processes. Contact us online or call (915) 999-1066 to learn more about how we can help you.

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