Fire Smoke Odor Removal
Restoring the damage done by fire is an extensive process. Not only is the damage caused by burning a challenge, but you also have to deal with damages caused by the byproducts of the fire like soot and smoke. Thee tarnish the surfaces and can have lasting damage. Another effect of the byproducts is the odor they leave behind. Smoke can easily spread in several areas of the house and even long after the fire has been put out and the restoration process complete, the smell could still be hanging in your house. Fire smoke odor removal is the final step to completely getting your house back to its pre-fire state or even a better condition.
Before commencing on the task of removing the smoke odor, you need to determine the extent of damage and the severity of the smoke odor. These are factors which vary from one case to another. Things to consider include the scope of the fire, the duration the house was exposed to smoke, the size of the house or room the odor is present, and the kind of burnt material involved.
Fire Smoke Odor Removal - Four Ways to Eliminate Odors
Some materials like plastic, wood and the upholstery in the house greatly affect the odor released. Instead of going for solutions like scented candles which only mask the smell instead of removing it, there are several effective tips to use.
1. Air out your house or room. This is the most obvious and basic step to start with. Windows and doors should be left open throughout the process. For inner rooms or where there is no sufficient aeration, you can make use of positive pressure by using a fan at the doorway to force fresh air into the room and push the air with odor out.
2. Remove and clean all your upholstery and carpet. Smoke usually gets caught up in the upholstery even for the rooms that may have been unaffected by fire. For complete removal of the odor, you will need to remove curtains and drapes and items like carpets, out before you start the removal process. If needed, dry clean them so that they are fresh and rid of any odors they may have attracted.
3. You also have to wash the solid surfaces. For effectiveness add some vinegar to a soap detergent solution in a container with about a gallon of water. Use this to thoroughly scrub all solid surfaces that may be stained or which absorbed the smoke odor. This should include furniture, cabinets, countertops and floors. Once done, rinse the area with a good amount of fresh, clean water. You should also remember to clean window screens and lighting fixtures in the affected rooms. Check wardrobes, cabinets, and bookshelves, empty all the items, clean them and blow in with a fan while the items get aired outside before being cleaned or wiped.
4. Once you are done with the cleansing, let the house settle for a while and then inspect it before putting back the upholstery and any other items taken outside. For rooms that may have remains of the odor, place vinegar in an open container and leave it in the room to absorb the air having the odor until it has all evaporated.
How to go About Fire Smoke Odor Removal
These tips are effective in fire smoke odor removal, and you can easily carry them out on your own and perhaps with a helping hand. The trick is getting in the fresh air and cleaning the surfaces that could have absorbed the odor.
