Smoke Damage in Commercial Buildings Usually Requires Professional Help

8/20/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke cleanup services in Baker, LA

Fires are by nature a destructive event. Probably worse than the fire itself is the smoke damage, which will spread much further than the burn damage. A small fire in Baker, LA, can release an incredible amount of smoke, which tends to get into every nook and cranny.
If the damage is extremely isolated and there’s no soot damage, you may be able to clean it yourself. Once a sooty residue is left behind or the damage has gone beyond a single room, you’ll certainly need the best professional smoke cleaning available.

Very Small Cleanups Are Possible In-House

A tiny fire, such as something burning on a stove that’s quickly extinguished, can be handled by your employees. There are a few cleaners that will work:

• Rubbing alcohol
• Vinegar
• Tri-sodium phosphate (TSP)
• Bleach

The best bet is usually TSP and water. Mix 1 tablespoon of TSP into a gallon of water and wipe off the smoke damage. You can add a cup of bleach for the best smoke cleaning, but don’t use bleach on items that aren’t colorfast, such as fabrics and drywall.

Heavy Cleaning Requires Certified Cleanup Specialists
Smoke is a really nasty substance. It’s oily and acidic and the tiny particles can get places that aren’t protected, including inside electronics and appliances. It can contain toxic elements and it’ll leave stains on many surfaces. Specialized equipment and solvents are needed for significant damage.
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the national organization that certifies select local restoration experts in Baker, LA. Companies that meet the standards have technicians who must attend a smoke cleanup and restoration course and pass an exam.
Soot is very sticky and can be impossible to clean without dangerous cleaning agents restricted to those who are trained to use them. Furniture and clothing can often be saved by using IICRC approved methods to remove soot damage. The more absorbent materials are, the harder they are to clean, so expert help is essential. SERVPRO eliminates smoke damage and leaves your business “Like it never even happened.”