5 Steps to handle smoke Damage

5/14/2021 (Permalink)

This fire took a second floor ladder save to put it out!

Dealing with the effects of smoke damage is never easy—especially when it comes to the smell that’s left behind. Once smoke permeates a structure, removing its strong odor generally proves to be an arduous task. According to the professionals at SERVPRO of Burlington/Middlebury, there are some steps that can be taken to eliminate or significantly reduce the unpleasant stench of smoke. The Williston, VT, based company stresses the importance of timeliness when trying to remove the smell of smoke.

Here are some helpful techniques for getting rid of the pungent scent:

5 Tips to Remove Smoke Damage Odor

1. Dispose of Unsalvageable Items

Unfortunately, there are often items too damaged by smoke to be saved. Getting these things out of the house immediately will greatly minimize the remaining smell. Carpet, insulation, and drywall are a few things to check in particular for odor and smoke residue.  

2. Wash Down All Hard Surfaces

All hard surfaces should be washed down carefully with a solution that includes water, white vinegar, and dish soap or shampoo. Using a clean rag, wipe down countertops, tables, shelves, baseboards, windowsills, cabinets, and light fixtures and mop all solid flooring surfaces.

3. Blow Fresh Air Into Each Room

While opening all the doors and windows will help a little, it’s more effective to get fresh air circulating inside as many rooms as possible. This is why it’s better to set up large fans on the exterior of the home and blow the outdoor air in. Focus on different rooms at a time for the best results.

4. Clean Clothing & Furniture Thoroughly

It’s common for clothing and furniture to hold the smell from smoke damage, so extra efforts must be taken to deodorize them. Clothes can be put in a bag with baking soda before being washed with a mixture of detergent and vinegar. Upholstered furniture should go through a deep clean to extract the odor completely from fibers.

5. Hire a Professional

Because of how challenging it is to remove the smell of smoke, the job is often better left in the hands of a professional. They have the proper equipment and knowledge to go through the process without causing more harm.  

If your home has been impacted by smoke damage, it’s essential to get to work right away to erase the smell or you run the risk of living with it forever. Contact SERVPRO of Burlington/Middlebury at (802) 497-1101, or visit them online to learn more about their fire restoration services.