A house fire is a devastating event. Not only is there the physical damage from the flames and heat, but there's also the damage caused by smoke and soot. And then there's the water damage from extinguishing the fire. It's no wonder that most people don't know where to start when it comes to cleaning and restoration.
But the sooner you start, the sooner you can get your life back to normal. In this article, we'll give you an overview of the steps you need to take to get started on the fire damage repair cleanup, how to remove smoke odor and soot from your home, and what to expect along the way.
The First 24 Hours
The first 24 hours after a fire are crucial. Here are some things you need to do:
• Contact your insurance company. You'll need to file a claim before you can start any repairs.
• Contact a fire damage restoration company. A professional restoration company will have the knowledge and experience to help you through this difficult time. They will look at the damage and create a plan for repair and restoration.
• If your home is safe to enter, open windows and doors to air out the smoke-damaged areas.
• If possible, cover damaged floors and furniture with clean sheets or tarps to prevent further damage.
• Do not try to wash any walls or floors until they have been inspected by a professional.
How to Remove Smoke Odor and Soot from Your Home
Once you've taken care of the immediate aftermath of the fire, it's time to start thinking about how to remove smoke odor and soot from your home. The type of smoke—wet or dry—will determine the best course of action.
If you have dry smoke damage, the first step is to vacuum all surfaces with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner. This will remove any loose soot particles. Next, use a mild soap or detergent on hard surfaces—walls, floors, countertops, etc.—and scrub them with a brush or sponge. Once you've cleaned all surfaces, rinse them with clean water and dry them completely.
If you have wet smoke damage—from a grease fire, for example—the first step is again to vacuum all surfaces with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner. Then use a mild soap or detergent on all surfaces—again, scrubbing with a brush or sponge—and rinse with clean water before drying completely.
In this article we've given you an overview of what to do in the first 24 hours after a fire and how to remove smoke odor and soot from your home. Fire damage is devastating, but by taking quick action and following these steps, you can begin the process of restoring your home—and your life—back to normalcy.
Need Help Restoring your home or business after a fire?
If you're looking for the best Water & Fire damage repair services in San Jose, Silicon Valley, and Bay Area, California, Dansel Restoration is here to help. We're a full-service water and fire damage restoration company with over 30 years of experience, and we're available 24/7 to help you restore your home or business after a fire. Contact us today for a free consultation!