Removing smoke odor after a fire at a home is a difficult task. To achieve complete smoke odor removal, the remediation procedure must include specialized equipment and processes that just a professional emergency recovery company may provide. Thus, we do not advise homeowners to tackle this task themselves. Have a look at the actions involved with smoke damage restoration below.
The Kinds of Smoke Odor
Smoke results in incomplete combustion and is composed of persistent particles (soot)oils, and gases. The pungent smoke odor comes from volatile substances that substances release when burning.
Smoke odor can result from burning protein (beef), natural materials (wood, cotton, etc.), synthetic substances (e.g., plastic, nylon), and much more. With all these materials that can burn, the recovery procedure requires technical knowledge and complex procedures.
How to Remove Smoke Odor from Properties
Removing the source of the problem
The first and most significant step in smoke odor removal is to remove the source of the odor(s). This entails removing burnt items, like cabinets, siding, furniture, and non-salvageable contents. The things can be either discarded or restored, based on their problem.
Fixing the salvageable contents
Technicians clean the salvageable items with proper products. They pressure clean, scrub, and disinfect outside surfaces like windows, walls, and decks. Interior walls and hard surfaces may be cleaned using mild soap and then rinsed completely. Professionals will also wash inside cabinets, drawers, and cabinets, and wash household products, too. Carpets, furniture, and upholstery are usually cleaned off. Check out the best way to clean fabrics following a house fire.
Fixing the air ducts
Smoke, soot, and odors from a fire will permeate the duct system and any dust or other contaminants inside of the system. Therefore, cleaning the ducts first in the smoke smell removal method is important to prevent the HVAC system from re-contaminating areas which have been cleaned. Of course, only professionals should clean the ductwork since it entails specialized equipment and processes.
Removing the smoke smell
The final phase is eliminating the lingering airborne odor. To do this task, many different techniques may be utilized, but they all share a frequent target — finish smoke odor removal. Here are some examples of proven systems:
- AIR SCRUBBING. A technician will use a high-efficiency particulate arrestor (HEPA) air scrubber that may remove 99.97% of particulates in the air. Removing these airborne particulates eliminates additional source materials for odors.
- THERMAL FOGGING. Fogging utilizes a petroleum-based deodorizer emitted via a thermal fogging unit. It matches the affected region using a mist-like deodorizer. Fogging counteracts odorous molecules by using odor modification for permanent odor neutralization. Before fogging, technicians put out all fires. Everyone in the treatment area should use respiratory protection equipment or depart the area.
- VAPOR MODIFICATION. This procedure uses an aromatic compound vaporized from a sealed plastic container then piled into the air by a fan or blower. The mineral oils used in this procedure are non-toxic, non-oily, non-flammable, and non-explosive. Therefore, clients can choose to remain in or near an area during the smoke odor removal procedure. The deodorizer also penetrates affected porous contents such as upholstery and drapery.
- OZONE GENERATION. This is only one of the most popular and familiar processes for removing airborne smoke odor molecules, such as hard-to-neutralize protein smoke. Ozone is a powerful oxidizer that dissipates odorous molecules by discharging additional oxygen into the air. Ozone, while a successful odor remover, is not an “air purifier.” Customers shouldn’t be present when an ozone generator is in operation. Staff should input the treatment area only briefly to reverse the ozone generator on or off. Ozone functions best in a controlled environment, including an ozone chamber. In there, odorous contents can be subjected to 24 to 48 hours of ozone gas.
For smoke smell removal on your property, phone PuroClean!
The process of smoke odor removal is a complicated one that must be accomplished effectively to be prosperous. Telephone your local PuroClean office for skilled smoke damage restoration. We’ve got the essential training, equipment, and experience to save and restore your home after smoke damage. Visit this website puroclean.com to learn more.