Soot Happens

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

The damage caused by soot can result in smoke marks, streaks and discolorations of walls and ceilings as well as health issues. Soot travels quickly and penetrates deep into surfaces.  Bedding, personal belongings, clothing, furniture, walls, ceilings, floor coverings, heat ducts, window blinds and all other surfaces that come in contact with soot can also be affected.  Unless proper cleaning takes place, soot can often bleed back through cleaned surfaces, causing further damage and at the least, requiring the surface or item to be re-cleaned.

How do I clean it up?

• Never assume that simply painting over the soot will solve the problem.  If not cleaned properly, painted soot will bleed through within 6 months or less.  Attempting to remove soot from painted surfaces could actually smear and grind the particles further into the surface.  Proper equipment, like a dry chemical sponge, is often used to remove soot.
• The home or office HVC cold air return duct can actually distribute soot particles, causing damages throughout.  Special air duct cleaning is often required.  HEPA air scrubbing equipment is often needed as soot floats and contaminates rooms that have been previously cleaned.  This recontamination is referred to as “Fall Out”.
• Clothing, curtains, bedding, carpets, upholstery often need extensive cleaning using Infused Ozone Gas and other products that break down soot.  Pressurized Ozone and Hydroxyl chambers are typically needed after the cleaning process to remove the strong odors caused by smoke and soot.
• Wallpaper can streak unless a dry chemical sponge is used first.   Even then, due to the paper based materials, wallpapers are often damaged beyond repair.  We will give you a quick assessment of the damaged items and area and secure the areas that are not affected to prevent contamination.  SERVPRO of Champaign / Urbana will secure and move contaminated items to a separate location for proper cleaning and deodorization.  We can even clean damage to the structure or even repair/replace as needed!  

Our Biggest Tip.

The biggest mistake many home and business owners make is attempting to clean up the damage themselves or ignoring it completely. Contact SERVPRO of Champaign / Urbana who has 30 years of restoration experience and has a highly trained staff and are properly equipped in removing soot damage.  Talk to one of our friendly staff today by calling 217-355-0077, we are here to help!