How to Remove Smoke Soot from Walls After a Fire
4/6/2022 (Permalink)
Dealing with fire damage to your home is never fun. You need to be prepared to deal with the loss of your things and even deal with all that smoke soot. Fire and smoke damage like soot and even smoke odor can destroy the interior and exterior of your property. Cleaning up soot from walls requires expert attention which is why you should look for fire damage restoration companies near me that offer 24 hour fire damage repair and restoration as soon as possible.
While waiting for the cleaning team, here are a few ways you can remove smoke soot from your walls.
Sweep the wall and ceiling.
Using any regular broom or even duster available, you will want to sweep the walls and ceiling to remove and prevent any soot from accumulating. This way, it’s also a lot easier to clean the walls afterward.
Vacuum your wall.
Once you’ve swept the walls, you can vacuum the walls to remove any remaining soot. A powerful vacuum with a strong motor will get the job done quickly. It is important to vacuum the walls after any cleaning product is applied, as some cleaning materials can leave residue behind and cause more damage than necessary.
Use a wet mop and a scrub.
This will help to loosen any remaining soot and debris before you can begin to scrub the walls. Spray water or cleaning solution and let the water sit on the walls for a few minutes before you begin to scrub. Scrubbing lightly with a soft-bristled brush or scrubber will help to loosen the soot and debris, allowing it to be easily wiped away. Make sure to clean the walls from top to bottom, including the ceiling.
When doing this, make sure that you wear gloves, a face mask, and any other protective clothing. Even firefighters and fire damage cleanup professionals use protective equipment due to the risks involved in fire damage cleanup.
Use a grease cleaner.
Grease cleaners are effective for removing soot, especially when the soot is mixed with grease. Grease collects in the ventilation system of the home, which is one of the reasons that soot fires are dangerous. These cleaners will not only remove grease and oil, but they will also remove any soot that has accumulated in the ventilation system. When choosing a grease cleaner, make sure to use one that is labeled as being safe for use on walls and ceilings. If you can, choose something that is environmentally friendly to prevent further chemical exposure in your surroundings.
Conclusion
Soot residue can be extremely challenging to remove and if you're not careful, it can even cause more damage to your home. Although there are many ways to remove smoke soot from walls all by yourself, it is extremely important that you contact a 24 hour fire damage repair and restoration right after a fire. Make sure to look for fire damage restoration companies near me that are committed to cleaning smoke damage and soot residue from your home safely and effectively.