Whether they’re from cooking, electrical issues, a knocked-over candle, or faulty heating equipment, mild house fires can happen to anyone. As unpleasant as they are, you just might find yourself being grateful that the fire wasn’t so severe! The aftermath, however, can be just as unpleasant: smoke damage. Cleanup can be difficult and expensive, especially when you consider professional cleaning services. However, house fires are common enough that there are some tried-and-true methods of cleanup. Done correctly, these do-it-yourself cleanup methods can make all the difference. Before you know it, it’ll be like there was no smoke damage to begin with!
First things first: gather up your cleaning supplies.
There are loads of products on the market to combat soot and smoke stains. From disinfectants to odor eliminators, there’s a product for just about everything you’d need when it comes to smoke cleanup. Do your research on each particular product and make sure the product you’re buying is right for your needs. Don’t forget to stock up on any rags, brushes, or other cleaning items you may need to take care of that smoke damage.
With that said, there are also lots of household items that can be used as cleaning supplies. Typical items like vinegar, baking soda, detergent, and rubbing alcohol can also be used to wipe away stubborn soot and smoke marks. A quick Google search can tell you how to use each of these items to your advantage; that way, you can get the smoke out of sight and out of mind.
Next, make sure you protect yourself.
When it comes to some harsher chemicals, consider using gloves and goggles to optimize safety. While a little baking soda doesn’t seem like it could do much harm, it can cause skin damage if not used carefully. Certain cleaning chemicals can severely damage your skin and eyes, so take the necessary steps to protect yourself during your cleanup process.
Make sure the cleaning area is also well-ventilated. Open a few windows and make sure the doors are opened, letting air circulate through. This will prevent you from inhaling the fumes of any cleaning chemicals you may be using. Lastly, be sure to unplug any appliances or other devices you may be cleaning around. The last thing you want to cause is another house fire!
Make sure you’re using the right cleaning method for your damage.
This might seem like a no-brainer, but cleaning with the wrong materials can make your smoke damage worse. For wall and ceiling damage, go ahead and soak a sponge in rubbing alcohol before scrubbing the affected areas down. This’ll get rid of a lot of soot buried within the surface and it’ll take off some smoke damage. For the rest of the area, use a clean sponge with water to wipe it away. As for fabric surfaces, use detergent and a sponge to scrub away until clean. And lastly, fabrics that can’t be thrown in the washer will benefit from vinegar and a sponge’s scrub. Sprinkle a little baking soda after it’s been cleaned to eliminate some of the odor.
In no-time, your smoke stains will be gone and you’ll be enjoying the sight of your home, looking just as it did before the smoke damage hit. Use these DIY tips and watch your soot stains fade away!
