Soot Damage

1/18/2023 (Permalink)

After a fire there is a substance that lingers in the house long after the fire called soot. Soot is a chemical reaction we call incomplete combustion. Which is basically when something is burning but there isn’t enough oxygen to burn, and the carbons make a sticky dust like substance called black soot that sticks to all surfaces and objects it floats by.

Using a chem sponge - When it comes to soot there is a special dry sponge that is very important for fire remediation called a chemical sponge, it’s a specialty sponge made of Vulcanized natural rubber which is the go-to when it comes to fire remediation as it was specifically engineered to absorb fine particulate matter such as soot.

Wet cleaning glass – non-porous materials like glass can and should be wet washed. If you don’t have soot remover, try vinegar and newspapers. Pour 1-part white vinegar to 2 parts warm water and spray and scrub with a rag until clean.

What can’t be saved - Unfortunately, some materials can’t be cleaned by chem sponge or cleaner and water. Clothes, bedding, and other textiles can often be salvaged after a fire with the proper cleaning and disinfecting. However, if anything is burnt, throw it away. Use even stricter judgment when considering your child’s or baby’s clothing. Your medicine cabinet and makeup bag are important places to check after a fire. Inspect the products stored here for signs of heat, soot, fire extinguisher dust, or other damage. If anything is warped from exposure to high heat or charred from the flames, or smells off, it’s probably best to throw it away. High heat can activate bacteria that cause food spoilage or create an undesirable taste to develop, even if the jar or can is intact. Toxic fumes can also contaminate food through sealed glass jars and aluminum cans.

Call SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood to help you get your returned to it's clean state after your fire at 253-896-3000.