Smoke can leave behind unsightly stains and a foul smell and pose health risks. Whether the fire is small or large, smoke residue can seep into walls and ceilings. This makes it difficult to restore a room to its previous condition. Cleaning and deodorizing smoke-damaged rooms is just the first step. Repainting them will follow. Here’s a complete guide to repairing smoke-damaged walls. You will also learn when professional fire damage restoration service is needed.
- Assess The Damage
Before beginning the cleaning procedure, assessing the damage caused by smoke is essential. Smoke damage that is not severe can only affect the surface. However, more serious damage can damage the structure of your walls. When evaluating damage, take into consideration the following factors.
- Intensity Of The Soot: Soot, the black residue after smoke, can be measured by its thickness.
- Types Of Smoke Damage: Dry and wet smoke and protein smoke from burned food all leave different residues that require different cleaning methods.
- Wall Material: The cleaning method will vary depending on whether your walls are plaster, bricks, drywall, or any other material.
Hiring a service specializing in fire damage cleanup is usually the best solution if you have extensive smoke or fire damage.
- Protect Yourself And The Area
Take measures to protect your area and yourself before starting the clean-up. Wear gloves, a face mask, and goggles to avoid skin contact or inhalation. Also, protect your floors and furniture using plastic sheets and drop cloths.
- Remove Loose Soot From The Walls
Remove any loose dust from the walls. You can use a towel or dry sponge to do this. If you have a vacuum with a brush attached, that is also an option. Scrubbing is not recommended as it will spread the soot, making it harder to clean. To prevent the spreading of soot, use a HEPA vacuum.
- Clean The Walls Using A Smoke Cleaner
Clean the walls thoroughly after removing any loose soot. Use a cleaning product designed specifically to remove smoke and soot, like trisodium phosphate (TSP), to break down the residues effectively. TSP is mixed with water according to the instructions on the product packaging.
Working from the bottom, gently scrub walls with a damp sponge or soft fabric. This method will help prevent streaks. You should often rinse the cloth or sponge to prevent soot from re-settling on cleaned areas. When cleaning textured wall surfaces, a soft-bristled toothbrush may be necessary.
A warm mixture of vinegar and water can also be an effective solution for cleaning smoke damage.
- After Rinsing The Walls, Allow Them To Air-Dry.
Then, rinse with clean tap water. This will remove any residue-cleaning solution. Use a sponge or cloth soaked with plain water to clean the walls. After rinsing and removing the soap, wipe the walls with a dry towel or let them air dry. It is important to let the walls dry completely before proceeding.
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- Deodorize Walls
Even after cleaning your walls, smoke odors can remain. To remove these odors, use an odor-neutralizing liquid or a vinegar solution and distilled water. Apply the deodorizer to the walls. Let it sit for a bit to absorb any odor. Repeat the deodorizing method or use specific products, such as activated charcoal or ozone.
If the odor is persistent, a service specializing in fire damage restoration can use advanced technologies such as thermal fogging or hydroxyl-generating devices to eliminate smoke odors from walls and surfaces.
- Prime And Repaint Your Walls
If deodorizing does not restore your walls’ original look, you may need to prime and paint them. Begin by applying a stain-blocking primer designed specifically to cover smoke damage. This will help seal any leftover smoke residue and prevent the paint from bleeding. When the primer dries, apply two coats of high-quality paint.
Conclusion
To repair smoke-damaged interior walls, you must take a methodical approach, including cleaning, disinfecting, and possibly repainting. A DIY method can be useful for mild smoke damage. However, for severe damage, you may need the assistance of a fire damage restoration company. If you follow the steps in this article, you can successfully restore the walls and eliminate signs of damage caused by smoke.
