After a fire, all you want to do is get back into your home and start cleaning up so you can figure out what is salvageable and what needs to be replaced. Any time there is smoke damage, there are things to know and things to avoid as well.
Check out these DIY things that you might want to avoid if you have smoke damage.
A lot of times, people think that they can scrub harder and get rid of discoloration or soot left behind from smoke. But that’s actually not the case. You can scrub and scrub, but it takes more than scrubbing to remove damage from smoke. The reason is because it’s not just dirty. There are tiny particles that caused that damage.
No amount of scrubbing will completely remove it. Yes, you can scrub away some of the residue and soot, but that’s where it ends. Eventually your scrubbing will damage the materials. Professional companies use specialized tools and equipment to remove the deeper particles and truly clean away the smoke and the damage.
When you walk in to start cleaning up, don’t just assume that something dirty or smoky has to be thrown away. The truth is that you might be able to salvage some items with the right cleaners and tools at your disposal.
There are some things that may be damaged beyond repair, but most items can be professionally cleaned and restored so that you can save them instead of just having to buy everything new again. This includes clothes, valuables, furniture, and more.
Check into this option before tossing things out.
Don’t just assume that because a structure was cleared for entry that it’s 100% safe in every aspect. If there was a fire involved, there’s a good possibility that unknown items and chemicals were released into the air during the fire. In addition, walking back into a facility that has smoke damage subjects your lungs to breathing in soot and smoke in the air.
Breathing in smoke or smoke residue can be hazardous. It can lead to respiratory illnesses, cause asthma, or even lead to an infection in your respiratory system. Don’t just haphazardly walk in unprotected. Instead, wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose. In some cases, respirator breathing masks might even be necessary.
Finally, take the opportunity to lean on the professionals who can help you the most. Professional smoke damage restoration specialists have extensive training to know how to safely and effectively clean up the damages and get your structure back to normal. They can work with you through the cleaning and restoration process.
At Trujillo’s Cleaning Company, we have specialized equipment designed to attack the particles that are causing odors, staining, and other types of damage. With our help, you can remove the smoke damage and all of its underlying side effects.