No matter the size of the fire in your home, you know that the panic doesn’t just disappear once you extinguish the flames. Though you can still live in your home, the smoke permeates just about everything. You also have to replace belongings that have been irreparably damaged. Dealing with this mess is an emotional mountain to climb, but knowing what happens during the cleanup process can help you feel a little more in control of the situation.
The Science of Soot and Why It Is Sneaky
Smoke is a mixture of tiny particles that can be oily, dry, or even wet, depending on what exactly was burning during the fire. If your plastic toaster melted, the soot will be thick and smeary. However, a paper fire creates a dry, powdery dust that floats into the air and eventually finds its way into the attic. Because these particles are microscopic, they act like tiny needles that can punch their way into the pores of your wooden furniture and the fibers of your carpet, clothing, and linens. For example, if you try to wipe a soot-covered wall with a regular wet rag, you might actually push the chemicals deeper into the paint and create a permanent stain. Professionals use special dry sponges and HEPA vacuums that pull the particles away from the surface instead of rubbing them in.
Neutralizing the Invisible Odor
The most frustrating part of smoke damage is that you can have a perfectly clean-looking room that still smells like a campfire every time the humidity rises. This happens because the odor molecules are trapped deep inside your insulation, behind your baseboards, and within your drywall. Standard air fresheners or candles only mask the smell for an hour or so. However, they do not actually fix the problem at the molecular level. Experts use ozone generators or thermal fogging machines that release a special gas to “chase” the smoke molecules away. These tools break down the chemical bonds of the scent so that it disappears instead of being covered up by a flowery perfume.
Saving Your Precious Belongings
Many people believe that you have to throw out anything the smoke touches, such as stuffed animals, linens, and clothes. While this used to be the case, this is no longer true. Modern restoration methods can save more than you know. Soft items can be run through Esporta wash systems to remove up to 99% of the smoke particles. Even electronics can be saved. A restoration team carefully takes these devices apart and uses ultrasonic cleaning baths to vibrate the soot off the metal parts without using water.
Even if you can no longer feel or see the soot, you should still seek help from restoration experts. Living in an environment where there is smoke damage is unhealthy because the molecules can cause respiratory problems and lung irritation. While restoration service can seem daunting, that smoke smell will be a distant memory with the right help. Call to make your Troy, OH home safe again with smoke restoration services from Complete Detail Cleaning & Restoration.
