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  • Following a home fire, many people are eager to get the cleanup started and reclaim their lives. Unfortunately, flames only cause some of the damage. When the home is cleared and the burning has stopped, the occupants still have to deal with the damage the smoke has caused.

    Soot and Charring

    Soot and charring both leave hideous black marks on the walls, ceilings and other parts of the home. Professional companies can clear it away, but they can be quite expensive. This is something that the homeowners can do on their own with some effort. To get started, fill a gallon bucket with warm water and mix 1 heaping teaspoon of trisodium phosphate cleaner, or TSP. Make sure you are wearing rubber gloves and goggles at all times. TSP is a powerful substance that can cause sever irritation to the skin and eyes. Next, take a sponge and apply the mixture to the blackened areas. Rub vigorously until the stain is as clean as you can get it. Rinse the area with a rag soaked in clean water. Continue over the entire area, repeating the process until finished. You may have to repeat several times.

    The Smell of Smoke

    Smoke not only creates hideous dark spots in the burned areas, but it also can permeate into things, leaving its odor behind. There are several easy methods to help reduce and remove the smell of smoke from the home. For furniture that is salvageable, wipe it down with white vinegar. White vinegar has numerous cleaning properties along with the ability to cut through odors naturally. To remove the smell of smoke from the room, take several bowls of white vinegar with a few drops of lavender oil added. Leave in place for several days. These two will combine to remove the smell from the air. If you cannot stand the smell of vinegar, you can get the same result by using baking soda.

    Bubbling and Blistering

    Surfaces can bubble and blister as a result of the excessive heat they have encountered. These cannot be changed--only removed and repaired. Simply scrape the bubbled and blistered area away with a small knife. Sand any remaining imperfections until they are flat. Spackle over any indents that might exist, and sand down once the spackle is dry. This surface can be refinished or repainted.

    Source:

    How to Clean Smoke Damage

    Handling Smoke Damage After a Fire

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