After a fire, the smell of smoke inside a residence can be debilitating. This blog will offer a few tips as well as remind readers not to pick up or clean up fire damage themselves and recommend hiring professionals to remove the smell of smoke.
Identifying the Source of Smoke Odor
Odors from smoke will linger on furniture, walls and floors, clothing, etc.; tiny microscopic particles need to be removed to remove the smell. To permanently remove smoke odors, the source of the odor needs to be taken care of; this means cleaning the home from top to bottom.
Octagon Cleaning and Restoration uses a multi-step process. All surfaces in the home must be cleaned thoroughly. Upholstery, curtains, and clothing will need to be laundered, as well as carpets. In some cases, we may use ozone, a highly reactive form of oxygen, which reacts with the odorous molecules, resulting in little to no more odor.
You should not attempt to clean this yourself; a professional should handle this type of cleaning.
Dangers of Smoke Damage
Soot/smoke damage can cause shortness of breath or other respiratory problems. It may be aggravating to those with conditions such as asthma or bronchitis. Not everyone will experience problems with smoke, but those with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk.
Here are a few tips that can help reduce the odor associated with smoke:
- Open doors and windows – air everything out!
- Turn off HVAC systems (if you have one) to prevent the spreading of particles
- Use an air purifier
- Thoroughly clean
- Don’t mask the smell with candles or fragrances — it won’t help and will only temporarily hide odors
Your Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Partner
Avoid unnecessary exposure – let the professionals at Octagon Cleaning and Restoration take care of this for you. We specialize in getting your home back to its pre-damaged condition, odor-free, and ready for you to settle in.
