Post-Fire: Getting Rid of the Smell

10/5/2021 (Permalink)

You can trust SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City to restore your building back to its pre-damaged condition after a fire strikes.

Getting Rid Of the Odor After A Fire

After a fired has occurred in your Edmond, OK, building, a plethora of obstacles can appear ahead. Before, you were worried about the safety of the occupants and the potential of the fire spreading, and now you’re likely worried about the damage done. Yes, it can be shocking to return to a smoked-coated building interior. Discover a few facts about what smoke damage can do and what you can do to remedy it.

Smoke is Sneaky

Once you've been given the go-ahead to reenter the building, you may need the judgment of fire damage professionals to determine what items can be salvaged. Because smoke can permeate various parts of an indoor space, it's essential that you get a proper inspection. Smoke also produces small amounts of carbon in the air, ultimately creating soot, and completely removing the odor from some items can prove challenging.

There Are Different Types

In addition, be aware that there may be multiple soot damage culprits, as there are different types of smoke:

• Dry smoke
• Wet smoke
• Protein fire residue

Although any kind of smoke damage is a hassle to deal with, wet smoke – involving plastic or rubber – can be sharper in odor and harder to address. Dry smoke involves wood or paper and can also be difficult to clean. Protein fire residue, which can be subtle, has a familiar, pungent odor.

Porous Materials are Vulnerable

Every surface likely needs attention after a fire, but the permeable ones are usually trickiest. Items such as curtains, rugs, and other upholsteries probably need to go to the dry cleaner. Another task on your list should involve keeping your cleaned items out of the building until a proper smoke cleaning is complete.

Addressing smoke damage in your building can be frustrating, but by doing post-fire inspection and subsequent cleaning the right way, you can avoid a lingering odor.