Removing smoke odor following a fire in a residence is a challenging endeavor. To achieve complete smoke smell removal, the remediation procedure must consist of specialized equipment and processes that just a professional fire restoration company may offer. Thus, we do not advise homeowners to handle this job themselves. Check out the actions involved with smoke damage restoration below.
The Types of Smoke Odor
Smoke results in incomplete combustion and consists of continuous particles (soot)oils, and gases. The pungent smoke odor comes from volatile substances which substances release when trimming.
Smoke odor can result from burning off (beef), natural materials (wood, cotton, etc.), artificial substances (e.g., plastic, nylon), and much more. With so many substances that could burn, the restoration procedure requires technical knowledge and intricate procedures. Learn about fire safety right here.
The Way to Remove Smoke Odor From Properties
Removing the source of the problem
The first and most significant step in smoke odor removal would be to remove the source of the odor(s). This entails eliminating burned items, like cabinets, furniture, drywall, and non-salvageable contents. The things can be discarded or restored, depending on their condition.
Cleaning the salvageable contents
Technicians clean the salvageable items with appropriate products. They stress wash, scrub, and disinfect outside surfaces such as windows, walls, and decks. Interior walls and hard surfaces can be cleaned using mild soap and then rinsed thoroughly. Pros will also clean inside cupboards, drawers, and cabinets, and clean household items, too. Carpets, furniture, and upholstery are usually cleaned off-site. Have a look at the best way to clean fabrics following a home fire.
Fixing the air ducts
Smoke, soot, and scents from a flame will penetrate the duct system and any dust or other contaminants inside of the system. Therefore, cleaning the ducts first during the smoke smell removal process is essential to preventing the HVAC system from re-contaminating regions which were cleaned. Of course, only professionals must clean the ductwork as it involves specialized equipment and procedures.
Removing the smoke smell
The last phase is removing the lingering airborne odor. To accomplish this task, many different techniques may be utilized, but they share a frequent target — finish smoke odor removal. Here are some examples of established systems:
- AIR SCRUBBING. A technician may use a high-efficiency particulate arrestor (HEPA) air scrubber that may remove 99.97% of particulates in the atmosphere. Removing these airborne particulates eliminates additional supply materials for scents.
- THERMAL FOGGING. Fogging uses a petroleum-based deodorizer emitted via a thermal fogging unit. It matches the affected area using a mist-like deodorizer. Fogging counteracts odorous molecules by using fragrance modification for permanent odor neutralization. Before fogging, technicians put out all flames. Everybody in the treatment area should use respiratory protection equipment or leave the region.
- VAPOR MODIFICATION. This method employs an aromatic compound vaporized from a sealed plastic container then dispensed into the air by a blower or fan. The mineral oils used in this process are non-toxic, non-oily, non-flammable, and non-explosive. Therefore, customers can opt to remain in or near a place during the smoke smell removal procedure. The deodorizer also penetrates affected porous contents like upholstery and drapery.
- OZONE GENERATION. This is only one of the most popular and familiar processes for removing airborne smoke odor molecules, including hard-to-neutralize protein smoke. Ozone is a powerful oxidizer that dissipates odorous molecules by discharging additional oxygen into the atmosphere. Ozone, while a successful odor remover, isn’t an “air purifier” Clients shouldn’t be present when an ozone generator is in operation. Personnel should enter the treatment area only briefly to turn the ozone generator on or off. Ozone works best in a controlled environment, such as an ozone room. In there, odorous contents can be exposed to 24 to 48 hours of ozone gas.
For smoke odor removal on your property, phone PuroClean!
The process of smoke odor removal is a complicated one that should be done effectively to be prosperous. Telephone your local PuroClean of Alexandria office for professional smoke damage restoration. We’ve got the necessary training, equipment, and expertise to rescue and restore your house after smoke damage.