Protect Your Home from Soot, Smoke & Fire Damage

4/12/2022 (Permalink)

10 Ways To Protect Homes From Soot, Smoke & Fire Damage

Preparing a home to be protected from fire damage is often tedious and requires many hours of work. Since smoke and soot can be challenging to remove from a home’s interior, homeowners can use the following steps to help make the process of fire remediation go more smoothly.

First, smoke and soot cleanup professionals can remove smoke and soot from the home before restoration begins. As soon as smoke and soot odor is noticeable, it is imperative that the smoke and soot are removed so the restoration team can perform their services much more efficiently.

Second, smoke and soot can sometimes be cleaned with household products. For example, peroxide can be used to neutralize odors. Bleach is relatively inexpensive and can be used to rid surfaces of smoke and soot.

Third, the use of oxygenated bleach solutions is recommended by many smoke and soot cleanup companies–as these solutions are highly effective in removing smoke and soot. Many major home supply stores carry these solutions in powder form. In order to use the oxygenated solution, the powder needs to be mixed with water and applied to the affected area, and left on the surface for about an hour.

Fourth, paper towels can be used in order to absorb excess moisture. The smoke and soot can be vacuumed up with a wet vac while the surface is wet. This typically needs to be completed before the sun comes up, as the sun can accelerate the evaporation process.

Fifth, when smoke and soot are present, do not leave any windows open. Opening windows in the home will accelerate the evaporation process and spread carcinogens from smoke and soot further throughout the home.

Sixth, do not attempt to address residual smoke odor on your own. Contact a professional smoke restoration company in order to prevent any adverse health effects.

Seventh, make sure that your home has working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors before storms. Also, make sure to have a working fire extinguisher in your home.

Eighth, never place wet towels, mops, or clothes on top of your dryer. This can create damage to your home’s electrical wiring as well as a higher risk for a fire to start.

Ninth, make sure all window treatments and curtains are in front of the windows. This can help to prevent further damage to your home’s interior. Keeping windows closed during a fire can help to suffocate the fire, should one break out.

Finally, consider installing an air purifier in your home. Air purification systems can help to remove smoke and soot from the air, as well as improve your home’s air quality.

In order to prevent a total loss of your home, follow these steps. Maintaining your home and keeping a proper insurance policy up-to-date will help to properly restore your home in the case of fire damage.