How to Remove Smoke Damage

5/13/2021 (Permalink)

If you are planning on selling your home, it is really important to remove any past evidence of smoke damage. Cleaning smoke damage is not an easy task, but it can be completed successfully if you keep the following tips in mind:

How to remove smoke damage tips:

• Cover carpeted areas with towels or old linens to prevent additional soiling.
• Discard open food packages. The food could be contaminated.
• Tape cheesecloth over intake and outlet air vents to capture any loose soot in the air. This is even more effective if the cheesecloth is damp.
• Clean Formica and chrome fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom to prevent permanent tarnishing.
• Blow off or brush-vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery, drapes and carpets.
• Wipe residue from porcelain bath fixtures to prevent etching.
• Change the air filter on your furnace if it uses forced hot air.
• If the outside temperature is above 60 F, air out the house to reduce smoke odor.

Common smoke removal mistakes:

• Wash any papered or flat painted walls without consulting your professional cleaner. Incorrect cleaning procedures could complicate the soot residue problem.
• Clean carpets or upholstered furniture.
• Use electrical appliances that have been close to fire or water before having them checked. They could malfunction.
• Use ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. A short circuit could result.
• Touch anything. Soot on your hands can permeate upholstery, walls and woodwork, causing further damage.
• Wait to call for professional help.