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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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.
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.
Stay out of the affected area
Do not enter the affected area until it has been deemed safe by a professional. It is important to avoid inhaling any smoke from house fire can make you sick.
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!
