How to Clean Soot Inside Your Home After a Fire?
A fire accident can cause a lot of damage to your property and personal belongings. They can get burnt, charred, and damaged by the smoke, fumes, and sot. Smoke forms when synthetic materials burn up, and soot forms due to incomplete combustion.
In the case of a fire, the flames act quickly, and in no time, the fire produces harmful by-products. Since fire and soot damage can occur rapidly, you must call the fire department and fire damage restoration professionals at the earliest opportunity.
Once the fire has been extinguished, you may feel relieved. However, it is not an end to the damage being done to the property. Now, the secondary damage will start due to smoke and soot. Please note that smoke and soot can result in more severe damage as compared to flames themselves. Therefore, it is essential to promptly treat the smoke and soot damage.
Below, we have talked about how to clean soot inside your home after a fire!
How to clean soot from walls and flooring?
If the soot has damaged your property’s floorings and walls, clean them using either a mild soap/detergent or a mixture of chlorine bleach and tri-sodium phosphate. If you use the latter solution, follow this ratio:
- 1 cup chlorine bleach
- 1-gallon warm water
- 4 to 6 tablespoons tri-sodium phosphate
While cleaning the walls, focus on one section at a time instead of trying to clean the entire wall at once. Deep scrub the affected area with the solution. Make sure to start with cleaning the area near the floor and then work your way up toward the ceiling. It will help avoid streaking. Once you have thoroughly scrubbed the affected area, immediately rinse the area using clean, warm water.
How to clean soot from clothes and other garments?
You can use the above-mentioned solution (bleach, warm water, and tri-sodium phosphate) to clean clothes and other fabricated objects. The tri-sodium phosphate will be extra beneficial as it will help lessen odor.
You can also wash the soot-damaged garments and fabrics in your washing machine using regular laundry detergent. Just add a teaspoon of vanilla extract and cold water after adding detergent.
How to remove soot from the carpet?
Start with removing the visible chunks of soot on top. Then, lift the large lumps using a utensil to avoid soot intrusion into the deep layers of the carpet. Then, remove the powder using a vacuum cleaner with an attachment that allows better access.
Next, take a damp cloth with a dry cleaning fluid and pat the stained area. Allow the chemicals to rest for a few minutes, and then again, use a clean damp cloth to pat the affected area. However, ensure there is not too much moistness as it can result in mold growth.
Keep repeating this process until the soot is removed, and then let it dry out.
