Soot Remediation in Your Sparta Home or Business

7/13/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can take care of Soot in your Sparta Home or Business

A fire in your home or business is devastating in itself. The mess that it leaves behind is a nightmare. One of the most annoying and troublesome products of a fire is soot. If there is anything left of your home or business after a fire then there is a very good chance that it has soot on it.

Soot is the black residue left behind on fireplace walls and charcoal grills after the flames go out. A house fire creates a great deal of it because wood, plaster, natural fibers, synthetics, foams and plastics all create soot when they burn and most homes are full of these materials. Soot sticks to any surface that’s cooler than the fire itself, usually walls, ceilings and other hard surfaces.

Different Fires Produce Different Soot

Different types of fires produce different types of soot, which in turn requires different cleaning methods, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals at SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties. High oxygen fires produce soot that is best cleaned with a dry-cleaning sponge or dry chemical sponge.  Low oxygen fires can be cleaned with a wet sponge. However, if soot from fire high in oxygen is cleaned with a wet sponge, it can smear and cause even more damage. If you do decide to vacuum up soot before the professionals arrive, DO NOT use an ordinary household vacuum cleaner, which is not designed for that type of cleaning. Use a shop vac, or other type of heavy-duty vacuum cleaner. Always hold the nozzle about a half inch away from the surface that’s being cleaned. Making contact with the soot can smear it and make an even bigger mess.

While waiting for experts to arrive, there are a few things to keep in mind.

• Never touch anything during your initial inspection, to avoid spreading the soot.
• Wear gloves, a mask and long sleeves and pants when working in soot covered room to protect your skin and lungs.
• Keep the room ventilated to minimize breathing in soot particles and allow smoky smells to dissipate.
• Remove as much debris as possible to allow for easy cleanup.

If you’ve just experienced a fire at your home or business in Cumberland, Morgan, White, Fentress, Bledsoe, Van Buren, Rhea, or Overton Counties call SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties at 931-250-5333.

SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties is trained and ready to help you get rid of soot and all other damage after a fire.