Eliminating smoke odor after a fire at a home is a difficult endeavor. To achieve complete smoke smell removal, the remediation process must consist of specialized equipment and processes that only a professional property restoration company can offer. Thus, we do not advise homeowners to tackle this job themselves. Have a look at the steps involved with smoke damage restoration below.
Types of Smoke Odor
Smoke results from incomplete combustion and consists of continuous particles (soot), oils, and gases. The pungent smoke odor comes from volatile substances that materials release when trimming.
Smoke odor can result from burning off (beef), natural materials (wood, cotton, etc.), synthetic materials (e.g., plastic, nylon), and more. With all these materials that can burn, the recovery procedure requires technical knowledge and intricate procedures.
How to Remove Smoke Smell from Properties
Removing the source of the problem
The initial and most important step in smoke odor removal would be to remove the source of the odor(s). This involves eliminating burned objects, such as cabinets, siding, furniture, and non-salvageable contents. The things can be discarded or revived, based on their condition.
Fixing the salvageable contents
Technicians clean the salvageable items with proper products. They pressure clean, scrub, and disinfect outside surfaces like windows, walls, and decks. Interior walls and hard surfaces may be washed with mild soap and then rinsed thoroughly. Professionals will also wash inside cabinets, drawers, and cabinets, and wash household items, also. Carpets, furniture, and upholstery are often cleaned off-site. Have a look at the best way to clean fabrics after a home fire.
Fixing the air ducts
Smoke, soot, and scents from a fire will penetrate the duct system and any dust or other particles within that system. Thus, cleaning the ducts early in the smoke odor removal method is essential to prevent the HVAC system from re-contaminating regions which were cleaned. Of course, only professionals should clean the ductwork as it entails specialized equipment and procedures.
Removing the smoke odor
The final phase is eliminating the lingering airborne odor. To accomplish this task, a variety of techniques can be utilized, however, they share a common goal — finish smoke odor removal. Here are some examples of proven systems:
- AIR SCRUBBING. A technician will use a high-efficiency particulate arrestor (HEPA) air scrubber which can remove 99.97% of particulates from the air. Removing these airborne particulates removes additional supply materials for odors.
- THERMAL FOGGING. Fogging uses a petroleum-based deodorizer straightened through a thermal fogging unit. It matches the affected region with a mist-like deodorizer. Fogging counteracts odorous molecules by using fragrance modification for permanent odor neutralization. Prior to fogging, technicians set out all flames. Everybody in the treatment area must use respiratory protection equipment or leave the area.
- VAPOR MODIFICATION. This procedure uses an aromatic compound vaporized by a sealed plastic container then dispensed into the atmosphere by a blower or fan. The mineral oils used in this process are non-toxic, non-oily, non-flammable, and non-explosive. Therefore, clients can opt to remain in or near an area through the smoke smell removal procedure. The deodorizer also penetrates affected porous contents like upholstery and drapery.
- OZONE GENERATION. This is one of the most popular and familiar processes for eliminating airborne smoke odor molecules, such as hard-to-neutralize protein smoke. Ozone is a powerful oxidizer that dissipates odorous molecules by releasing additional oxygen into the atmosphere. Ozone, while an effective odor remover, is not an “air conditioner” Customers shouldn’t be present when an ozone generator is in operation. Staff should input the treatment area only temporarily to turn the ozone generator on or off. Ozone functions best in a controlled environment, such as an ozone room. In there, odorous contents can be subjected to 24 to 48 hours of ozone gas.
For smoke smell removal on your premises, phone PuroClean!
The process of smoke odor removal is a complicated one that must be done efficiently to be prosperous. Call your regional PuroClean office for skilled smoke damage recovery. We’ve got the essential training, equipment, and expertise to save and restore your house after smoke damage. Click here to learn more. about their services.
