Cleaning up soot and smoke damage after a fire can be a difficult and overwhelming task, but it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of your home and protect your family’s health.
You should contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the fire to report the damages and begin the claims process. Your insurance company will be able to guide you on the next steps you should take.
You shouldn’t have to clean up after a fire, as the insurance company can take care of it. Or you can settle with insurance company and sell the house ‘as is’.
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Preparing for Cleanup
Before you begin cleaning, ensure the area is safe to enter. If the fire was significant, it’s important to wait for the all-clear from the fire brigade. Once you’ve received the green light, start by airing out the property.
Open all windows and doors to let fresh air in, and consider using fans to speed up the process. This will help reduce the strong smell of smoke and soot.
What is soot from smoke?
Soot comprises tiny carbon particles formed by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels such as wood, oil, coal, and more. Containing acids, chemicals, metals, soils, and dust, soot leaves an unattractive sight and an unpleasant odour.
During a fire, the soot will spread to all areas of the house, adhering to surfaces.
How do you get rid of soot?
A fire in your home can be an incredibly devastating experience.
Soot can be a nightmare to clean, but it’s essential to do it right. Start by using a dry brush or a vacuum cleaner to remove as much soot as possible from surfaces. This will prevent it from spreading and make the cleaning process easier. For more stubborn soot, mix a solution of dish soap and water, and apply it to the affected area using a rag. Be sure to wipe clean with a damp cloth to prevent smudging.
However, there are ways to remove soot from wood surfaces without needing to replace them. Oven cleaner or Windex with Ammonia mixed with water can be used to apply liberally to all surfaces and wiped clean with a damp cloth.
An acid or alkaline cleaner can also be used, but be sure to wear gloves and rinse off after scrubbing. If stains remain, a pressure washer may be necessary. With the right tools and knowledge, soot can be removed efficiently and safely.
Can anything be salvaged with fire damage restoration?
Fires can cause immense damage to our homes and the belongings inside. We invest so much in making our homes comfortable and personal to us, so when a fire strikes, it can be heartbreaking to see the destruction it can cause.
Fortunately, fire restoration services can be lifesavers, helping to restore and salvage parts of our homes and treasured items.
They specialise in removing:
- smoke,
- water,
- and soot damage.
What You'll Need For DIY Clean Up After a Fire
You’ll need to buy:
- Breathable dust masks;
- Cut-resistant gloves;
- Eye protection;
- A comfortable hard hat;
- High-visibility vest;
- Stee-toe cap boots/trainers;
- Lots of heavy-duty bin bags;
- A couple of large XL skips.
Disinfecting and Deodorising
Disinfecting and deodorising are critical steps in the clean-up process. Use a disinfectant spray or bleach solution to wipe down all surfaces, paying particular attention to areas around the fire.
To eliminate the smell of smoke, use an air purifier, and consider adding a few drops of essential oils like lavender or tea tree to your cleaning solution
Cleaning Walls and Furniture
Cleaning walls and furniture can be challenging, especially if they’re soiled. For walls, start by wiping down with a damp cloth to remove any loose soot.
If the soot is more stubborn, use a degreaser like Simple Green or Pine Sol. Apply the solution to the wall, scrub gently, and then wipe clean with a damp cloth. Use a gentle cleaning product for furniture and test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Laundry and upholstery require special care when cleaning after a fire. Use a degreaser or laundry detergent specifically designed to remove soot and smoke for laundry. For upholstery, use a gentle cleaning product and test it on a small area first. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can damage the fabric.
Remove any standing waste
If standing water is in the affected area, removing it as soon as possible is important to prevent further damage. You can use a wet/dry vacuum or other suitable equipment to remove the water.
Clean and dry affected areas
Once the affected area has been deemed safe to enter, you should begin cleaning and drying out the affected areas.
This may involve removing damaged materials, such as carpets and furniture, and using fans and dehumidifiers to dry the area.
Dispose of damaged materials
Any materials damaged by the fire should be properly disposed of. This may include items such as furniture, appliances, and household items.
Order a skip for hire or speak with a licensed waste removal service.
Have the area professionally cleaned
You may want to consider hiring a professional cleaning company to handle the clean-up process. A professional cleaning company will have the equipment and expertise needed to properly clean and restore your home.
Your property will need a good deep clean, and even then, you may not be able to totally get rid of the burnt smell.
Have the area inspected
After the clean-up process, a professional must inspect the affected area to ensure it is safe. This may include checking for structural damage, electrical issues, and other potential hazards.
Get some help with mental health
Have friends and family support you through this difficult time, as dealing with the aftermath of a fire, effectively becoming homeless and living in a hotel or sofa surfing with friends or family can take its toll.
The emotional trauma of dealing with putting the house back together again can bring up good memories, and this is why sellers prefer to walk away once the insurance claim has been settled. You can sell your home as it is to Property Saviour with no fees and receive £1,500 in legal fees. A cash offer can be put towards your next holiday, enabling you to make a fresh start.
If you are considering selling a fire damaged property, Property Saviour can make you a cash offer after you’ve settled with your insurance company. This allows you to start fresh in a new home. We will also pay £1,500 towards your legal fees. There are no estate agent fees and no delays!
Sell with certainty & speed
Property Saviour Price Promise
- The price we’ll offer is the price that you will receive with no hidden deductions.
- Be careful with ‘cash buyers’ who require a valuation needed for a mortgage or bridging loan.
- These valuations or surveys result in delays and price reductions later on.
- We are cash buyers. There are no surveys.
- We always provide proof of funds with every formal offer issued.
We'll Pay £1,500 Towards Your Legal Fees
- No long exclusivity agreement to sign because we are the buyers.
- You are welcome to use your own solicitor.
- If you don’t have one, we can ask our solicitors for recommendations.
- We share our solicitor’s details and issue a Memorandum of Sale.
Sell With Certainty & Speed
- Our approach is transparent and ethical, which is why sellers trust us.
- 100% Discretion guaranteed.
- If you have another buyer, you can put us in a contracts race to see who completes first.
- Complete in 10 days or at a timescale that works for you. You are in control.
