The Importance of Deodorization

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

A SERVPRO technician sprays a smoke sealant after cleaning & deodorizing a home after fire damage.

In your home or business, fire, smoke, or even soot damage can leave you with unpleasant and potentially permanent problems. Smoke produced during a fire can travel throughout the structure leaving deposits and even odors on various surfaces & hard-to-reach areas. It is crucial that professional action is taken quickly as these residues can cause permanent damage. At SERVPRO, our technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration, and can rid your home or business of the odors left by fire or smoke damage. Instead of covering up the odors, technicians use SERVPRO’s own line of cleaning products to remove the source and prevent the odor from returning. Odor from fire damage is not the only stubborn odor that SERVPRO can take care of, water and mold damage can also cause permanent problems if not addressed properly.

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

• What NOT To Do After A Fire

  • Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting your SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
  • Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
  • Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
  • Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
  • Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.