Once a fire is out, the first urge is to start cleaning right away. But a wrong move can push soot deeper and make cleaning more expensive.
Safety first
Cleaning can only start once the relevant authorities allow it and the site is confirmed safe. The electrical system must be checked and damaged structures assessed. If you have insurance, photograph the damage before cleaning.
What not to do
- Don't wipe soot with a wet cloth — oily soot smears and soaks in.
- Don't wash walls with ordinary household products.
- Don't wash smoky fabrics on a normal cycle — the smell may remain.
- Don't run the ventilation system in a smoky room — soot spreads through the building.
How professional cleaning works
First the soot is removed dry with special sponges and vacuums. Then surfaces are washed with anti-soot products. Finally, odor reduction work is done. How much the smell can be reduced depends on the materials and the size of the fire, so we give a realistic expectation after a survey.
Most hard-surface furniture can be cleaned. Upholstered furniture, carpets and fabrics are assessed separately — sometimes replacing them makes more sense than cleaning.
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