When a fire strikes your home, it can become intense and stressful to handle the aftermath. In addition to damage from the actual fire, you’ll have to deal with the smoke damage that can appear. There are certain steps you can follow to make sure the remaining smoke isn’t lingering or causing further damage to your home. 

Turn Off Your A/C Or Heater 

The last thing you want is to keep your heater or air conditioning flowing throughout your home. This air can continue to blow smoke around your home, which can cause strong odors or discoloration. After you’ve turned off your HVAC system, head to the windows and open them up. This will help the smoke escape outside. Then, you’ll want to grab any fans you have to help blow the smoke out of your home.

Suck Up Loose Particles With A Vacuum 

Even if you don’t see very much smoke damage in your home, it’s still going to be there. Clean up as much as possible by vacuuming up any of these loose particles. A regular vacuum with an attachment can work, as well as a larger shop-vac. 

Move Your Undamaged Furniture

More soot particles will come out as you vacuum and clean your home. To prevent more of your undamaged items from receiving any smoke stains, move them out of the room. You’ll also want to protect other undamaged rooms by sealing them off. Wear long-sleeved t-shirts and pants to keep the smoke from touching your skin as you clean. 

Wipe Off Any Other Smoke Damage Stains

It’s recommended that you use a specific sponge, known as a dry-cleaning sponge, to get rid of any stains from soot or smoke. This sponge has special ingredients and chemicals used to get stains out of counters and walls. You don’t want to consistently use one side of the sponge to clean. So make sure you’re regularly flipping the sponge over to a new side to prevent the smoke stains from spreading. You’ll want to have several new, clean sponges on hand for this. 

Wipe Everything Down With A Towel Or Rag 

Once you’ve finished sponging, wipe the rest of the smoke-damaged items with a rag or towel. First, the rag should be soaked with a soot/smoke remover product or rubbing alcohol. Wipe and clean all parts of the damaged room. Then, use a separate towel, sponge, or rag with dish soap to wipe off the walls. 

Call Your Local Smoke Damage Restoration Company 

Once you’ve done as much as you can to deal with the smoke damages, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Give us a call, and we can help you ensure all of the excess soot and smoke has been properly removed. We’ll use our expert equipment and team members to get any extra soot or smoke particles you may have missed. We work to make sure your home is looking and feeling back to normal in no time.