Residential Soot REmoval & Smoke Damage Clean-Up Services

Leave the Post-Fire Clean-Up to the Professionals

When you experience a house fire, putting out the flames is only the first step in an extensive recovery process. The lingering smoke and soot can continue to damage your home and belongings, sometimes causing just as much damage as the fire itself. ServiceMaster Restore® specializes in soot and smoke damage clean-up and restoration. We know the best, most effective ways to deal with soot, smoke, and odor damage.

The residue that a fire leaves behind can be hazardous and result in health problems for anyone in your home if professionals do not immediately address it. Our experienced team will quickly and thoroughly assess the smoke and soot damage and determine the restoration cost. We’ll also examine other areas in your home to uncover any damage caused by the firefighting process. Once we accurately assess the damage, we’ll provide you with an estimate for our soot removal, cleaning, and restoration services.

Searching for professional smoke cleaning services? Call us today at(866) 867-3123 or reach out to your local ServiceMaster Restore.

Time is of the Essence When You’re Dealing With Smoke Damage & Soot Removal

Smoke can quickly damage your home. It only takes a few minutes for it to discolor walls, and in a matter of hours, it can discolor finishes on kitchen appliances. Other smoke damage includes etching in glass, tarnished metal, and damage and corrosion to other materials throughout your property. This is exactly why it’s so important to immediately reach out to a professional restoration company after experiencing a fire. ServiceMaster Restore is available 24/7 to help minimize the damage to your home and get started on the restoration right away.

Our Soot and Smoke damage restoration Process

Soot and smoke damage can leave a lasting mark on your home. But with the right professional help, you can restore it to its former glory.

Here's a breakdown of the smoke damage cleanup process:

• Ash Removal. Before ash settles into fabrics or upholstery, it's crucial to remove it. This prevents permanent stains and damage.
• Neutralizing Smoke Odor. Smoke odors can linger. Our smoke damage professionals use specialized techniques to eliminate them at their source.
• Cleaning Hard Surfaces. Soot can etch into surfaces like tile, porcelain, brass, and marble. Quick soot removal is essential to prevent permanent discoloration and damage.
• Fabric and Upholstery Deep Cleaning. Steam cleaning and specialized treatments can remove smoke particles, stains, and odors from carpets, fabrics, and upholstery. Our deep cleaning methods help restore these items' original look and feel.
• Deodorizing Curtains and Carpeting. Deodorizing curtains and carpet before cleaning helps break down odor-causing molecules.
• Advanced Chemical Treatment. Specialized chemicals target and break down smoke molecules. This specialize chemical treatment helps remove odors from fabrics, walls, and clothing.

By following these steps, we'll ensure your home is completely restored from harmful soot and smoke odors.

Need professional smoke cleaning services? Contact us today at (866) 867-3123 or visit our locations page to find a ServiceMaster Restore near you.

Some Tips on What You Should & Shouldn’t Do to Minimize Soot and Smoke Damage

Thanks to over 65 years of experience, ServiceMaster Restore has the expertise and training to help you recover from soot and smoke damage. While our professional team will take care of your home’s restoration, there are a few measures you can take in the meantime to help minimize damage. Acting quickly and carefully can help protect your property and reduce the risk of further harm.

Here are some helpful tips:

• Air out your house to reduce smoke odor if the temperature permits. If outdoor conditions allow, open windows and doors to ventilate your home and allow fresh air to circulate. This will help to reduce the heavy smoke odor that can linger after a fire. However, be cautious not to worsen the problem by allowing more soot to be disturbed or enter the home.
• Change the air filter on your furnace if you use forced hot air. Your furnace’s air filter can quickly become clogged with smoke and soot particles after a fire. To prevent these contaminants from being recirculated through your home, replace the air filter as soon as possible. A clean filter will help improve air quality and prevent further damage to your HVAC system.
• Avoid touching any damaged areas with your hands. Soot particles are fine and oily, making them easy to smear and transfer onto different surfaces. The natural oils on your skin can mix with soot, causing it to seep deeper into walls, woodwork, and upholstery. This can result in permanent staining or damage, so it’s important to avoid handling any affected areas.
• Do not try to wash the walls – this can only compound the soot residue. While it may be tempting to start cleaning soot-covered walls right away, washing them without the right techniques and cleaning agents can actually make things worse. Improper cleaning can spread soot, push it deeper into surfaces, and cause permanent stains. Leave wall cleaning to the professionals, who have the proper tools and knowledge to remove soot without causing further harm.

Fire & Smoke Restoration Experts

After a fire, it's crucial not to attempt a DIY cleanup. Smoke and soot can penetrate deep into surfaces, and improper cleaning can lead to further damage or health risks. This type of restoration requires specialized knowledge, tools, and cleaning agents to fully remove the soot, smoke, and odors from your home.

ServiceMaster Restore’s experienced team is available 24/7/365 to help restore your home to its pre-loss condition and bring you peace of mind. Whether it’s assessing structural damage, eliminating persistent odors, or safely removing soot from affected surfaces, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Trust the experts with over 65 years of experience in fire and smoke restoration to get the job done right.

FAQs about Soot and Smoke Damage Restoration

Does smoke damage ever go away?

The short answer? Yes, smoke damage can go away. Smoke is stubborn, so it is best tackled with professional help.

Smoke particles are sneaky. They can seep into walls, furniture, and even your favorite clothes, leaving behind an unpleasant odor and unsightly stains. If left untreated, these particles can become a permanent part of your home. 

That's where professionals come in. Professionals like ServiceMaster Restore have the tools and expertise to neutralize those odors and remove smoke. With our specialized cleaning techniques and deodorization methods, we can help your home feel fresh and clean again.

DIY efforts might not be enough, but a professional restoration can make a world of difference. Not only will it eliminate the smoke damage, but it can also prevent long-term issues that could arise if left unaddressed.

What can I claim for fire smoke damage?

When it comes to insurance, smoke damage is often covered.

You can typically claim the costs of:

• Smoke Damage Cleaning. Removing soot, smoke residue, and odors.
• Structural Damage & Repairs. Fixing damaged walls, ceilings, and floors.
• Personal Property Damage. Replacing items like furniture, clothing, electronics, and appliances.

If the damage makes your home uninhabitable, you might be eligible for additional living expenses.

Always check your insurance policy and consult with your insurer to understand your specific coverage. With the right steps and the help of professionals, you can recover from smoke damage and have your home feeling like new again.

What should I throw away after smoke damage?

After smoke damage, it's essential to dispose of items that may have been compromised.

These include:

• Food and beverages. Any food, drinks, or perishables exposed to smoke or heat should be discarded. This includes food stored in sealed containers; toxic particles may have contaminated them.
• Medications. Smoke exposure can compromise the safety and efficacy of medications, so discard any that were exposed.
• Cosmetics and toiletries. Personal care products like makeup and lotions can absorb smoke particles and should be thrown away.
• Burned or severely damaged items. Charred, heavily soot-covered, or beyond repair should be discarded for health and safety reasons.

When in doubt, consult a professional restoration service to assess what can be salvaged and what should be thrown away.