How smoke affects your home

The restoration experts share everything you need to know about smoke damage in your home. 

Are you recovering from a fire in your home?

Because the fire is out, it doesn’t mean the damage is done.

A surprising amount of damage from fire isn’t caused by the fire itself but by the smoke residue.

To make matters worse, soot and smoke damage can worsen even after the flames are out.

This blog examines how smoke damage impacts your home and how to deal with it.

Understanding smoke

Smoke can affect areas untouched by flames, spreading to unaffected rooms and causing further damage.

A lot of the harm from smoke is down to the fact that it brings high temperatures from the fire, but that is not the only reason the smoke is harmful – there is also the acidic content to consider.

According to a study from Michigan State University, between the heat and the corrosive properties, smoke inhalation is the primary cause of death for indoor fires and one of the biggest obstacles to getting your home and your life back in order following a fire.

Soot

Furthermore, where there is smoke, there’s usually soot.

Soot is another by-product of fires.

It is a powder-like or greasy substance comprised primarily of carbon.

Soot presents many health hazards, and prolonged exposure carries a risk of cancer, including skin cancer and cancer of the oesophagus, lungs, and bladder.

It’s one of the reasons that diesel exhaust is dangerous, and it’s responsible for over a quarter of hazardous air pollution on Earth.

Long story short, you don’t want soot in your home.

Smoke and soot can affect your home’s structure and belongings alike.

It’s different from the harm that fire causes, and fixing it can be one of the most lasting and strenuous aspects of fire damage clean-up.

How does smoke affect your home?

Acids

Smoke often contains several different acids.

The makeup may vary depending on the fire that caused it, but you can usually count on acids related to carbon and sulphur.

However, scientists are still making discoveries about what smoke is made of.

As recently as 2011, researchers discovered a kind of acid in smoke that they hadn’t previously known about. And even smoke that isn’t acidic can still cause harm.

Corrosion and metal damage

One glaring effect that smoke can have is on the metal in your home.

Depending on the kind of smoke and type of metal, effects can range from tarnishing to outright corrosion.

Smoke can affect many parts of your home, from small details like doorknobs and kitchen fittings to the structural elements and pipes.

Corroded pipes, in particular, are dangerous due to being at risk of leaking and causing further damage from water.

Porous material damage

Smoke also causes permanent discolouration of porous materials often used in home construction.

This includes plastics and marble that may be used in countertops or tiles – all of which can start to occur in just minutes.

Likewise, hardwood floors are porous, giving smoke plenty of hiding spots.

In some cases, good mopping and deodorising can work. But many times, the floor needs to be refinished or even replaced.

Even if your floors and walls aren’t porous, they may still be at risk.

Smoke odour and permanent stains can set in on walls and synthetic carpets.

Acidic residues left behind may eat away at wall coverings like paint or wallpaper.

DIY: Reducing damage

You can do a little to reduce the harm on your own.

To start, rub any affected metal surfaces with olive oil or vegetable oil and leave it there.

This isn’t a long-term solution, but it will slow or prevent pitting and discolouration until professionals can arrive for a professional cleaning.

Items commonly damaged by smoke:

Carpets and rugs

Carpets and rugs made of synthetics may be permanently stained in a matter of days.

Cleaning is often possible if the carpets aren’t damaged by heat, water, or any chemical agents used to fight the fire.

But the cleaning must be done before the damage becomes permanent.

Curtains and upholstery

Curtains and upholstery can similarly become yellow.

Cleaning fabrics often requires special tools like alkaline cleaners since trying to vacuum these things can spread soot instead of cleaning them.

It’s best to call in experts who know how to clean smoke damage

Furniture

Smoke can harm your furniture, whether made of porous wood or corrodible metal.

Like upholstery, the other parts of your furniture are at risk if you use the wrong cleaning agent.

It’s easy to damage varnishes, paints, and wood stains when trying to clean smoke damage, just as it’s easy to rust metal.

Clothing

Soot can be stuck in clothing, like other fabrics around the home.

Like those other fabrics, they may require special cleaning techniques and solutions, and time is still of the essence before staining becomes permanent.

Tossing clothing into the washing machine may cause a smoke odour to set, and it may not get the sooty oil out of your clothing.

Chemicals left behind in soot can cause skin irritation, making it all the more important to get them cleaned thoroughly, promptly, and professionally.

Some dry cleaners will handle smoke-damaged clothes, but not all do.

Appliances

The corrosive effects of smoke extend to the inside and outside of your appliances.

Smoke odour can permeate the interior of your fridge and other appliances, and the caustic effects of smoke residue can damage the electrical systems.

Plastic

Plastic is highly porous, so it collects more soot than anything else in your home.

Plastics will start discolouring in minutes.

If possible, wipe them down with an alkaline cleaning solution.

Most things should wait for professionals, but if you can act on your plastic, do so quickly.

Porcelain

Porcelain, like bathroom fixtures, can discolour within hours if not cleaned.

Wipe residue away to prevent etching.

You may also want to wash it with soap.

Both measures can buy you some time before the professionals come in.

How to clean smoke damage

Depending on the material, you have anywhere from minutes to days to begin smoke damage restoration.

Generally, the sooner you can deal with it, the better.

But there is a list of priorities.

Some materials are more resistant to soot than others, and time is precious when cleaning up after a fire.

The best thing is to call in the experts, but in the meantime, here are some tips:

Within minutes

  • Wash as much porous material as you can.
  • Clean porous floorings like tile, marble, wood, plastic and PVC.

Damage to these materials becomes irreversible very quickly.

  • For plastics, use an alkaline cleaner.

Within hours

  • Wipe any metal down with cooking oil to buy yourself some time for a more thorough cleaning.

The oil will act as a barrier, helping prevent further damage and rust.

  • Wood furniture may begin to lose its finish, so clean it as much as possible.
  • For finished wood, an all-purpose cleaner can help you stave off damage until the pros arrive.
  • Porcelain fixtures start staining during this time, so wipe them down and clean them with soap if possible.

Within days

You’ll start seeing permanent discolouration of fabrics like clothing, upholstery, curtains, and carpeting.

You may also start seeing discolouration on your walls, as well.

It may be tempting to vacuum these things, but most household vacuum cleaners aren’t powerful enough.

Instead of cleaning soot, they’ll transfer it to the next thing you try to vacuum.

Don’t try to wash papered or painted walls on your own, clean carpet, or touch anything sooty with your bare skin.

Instead, wear rubber gloves to prevent the oil transfer from your skin, setting the soot.

Cleaning certain things without the correct equipment can worsen the problem, and exposing your skin to soot can be a health hazard, spreading soot to other parts of your home.

As soon as possible, call restoration professionals.

Clean-up and restoration experts like ServiceMaster Restore have the right equipment, machinery and protective clothing to save as much as possible as fast as possible.

How to restore smoke damage

The salvageability of an item will depend on what it is and how quickly it is cleaned.

Many plastics and metals will likely need to be replaced.

However, a trained professional can quickly evaluate what is salvageable and what is a waste of time to restore.

Bringing in a pro isn’t just about getting the proper equipment to save your belongings.

It’s about having someone there who knows how smoke affects things and how quickly.

It is about someone who can look at the tile floor and know if it can be saved or if that time is better spent trying to save your metal appliances.

It’s about having enough hands to do both, if possible.

The fact is that getting smoke damage restoration experts into your house as soon as possible is the best way to save as much of your home as possible.

Contact ServiceMaster Restore

Fortunately, there are experts from ServiceMaster Restore available to you 24/7 on our emergency hotline, 0845 762 6828.

As leading cleaning and disaster restoration experts for over 60 years, our technicians are here to help you in whatever crisis you may be facing.

When dealing with smoke damage, there is a lot to take in.

This information may be overwhelming, but it is what we do.

For smoke damage restoration and support during a crisis, find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business today.

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Case study: Fire clearance and clean

A fire within a home can have a devastating impact.

Quick and effective action is critical to minimise damage and restore the home.

This recent case study from ServiceMaster Restore Devon details our role in addressing the aftermath of a fire caused by a DIY dehumidifier.

The incident resulted in extensive smoke and fire damage, leaving the property needing urgent professional intervention.

Situation

We were called to assist after a fire triggered by a DIY dehumidifier in a bedroom of a barn conversion caused significant smoke and fire damage.

Solution

We began by taking a detailed inventory of all items on the property, even including the contents of the cutlery drawer.

Once the inventory was complete, we removed all items and transported them to a local waste facility for disposal using our company vehicles.

After the clearance, we were asked to provide a quotation for a full internal structural cleaning.

We arrived on-site within 24 hours of the quote acceptance to begin the work.

Our focus was on the high-risk fixtures and fittings vulnerable to secondary damage from the acidic nature of soot, including chrome-plated taps, shower screens, rails, plastic electrical fittings, and kitchen units.

The property was plastered with lime mortar, which made soot removal particularly challenging.

We started by vacuuming all surfaces to eliminate loose soot, which removed approximately 80% of the contamination.

After the dry cleaning, we used ServiceMaster restoration cleaning agents to wash all surfaces suitable for wet cleaning, eliminating residual contamination in preparation for redecoration.

Outcome

Our cleaning process significantly reduced the risk of cross-contamination and odour.

The work took five days in total, and while some surfaces still show staining, they are thoroughly cleaned and ready for stain blocking and redecoration.

The property was left soot-free and clean, ready for the next trades to restore it to its pre-incident condition.

Don’t know what to do next? We do.

For specialist fire clearance and cleaning, contact the ServiceMaster Clean Devon team on 01803 200 278 or email office@smcdevon.co.uk.

Or nationwide, find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to see how we can help you today.

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Handle with care: How to handle hazardous waste and biohazards as a landlord

ServiceMaster Restore’s tips on properly and safely handling hazardous waste and biohazards for landlords.  

As a landlord, maintaining a safe and clean rental property is crucial for the health and well-being of your tenants.

Occasionally, you may have to deal with hazardous waste within a property, perhaps left by previous occupants or from natural disasters like flooding.

Proper handling of these materials is essential to safeguard all involved.

This guide from the experts at ServiceMaster Restore Devon will walk you through what hazardous waste and biohazards are and the steps to address them safely.

What are hazardous waste and biohazards?

  • Hazardous waste: These are materials that pose a risk to health or the environment if not handled properly. Examples include cleaning chemicals, paint, and batteries.
  • Biohazards: These involve biological substances that could harm humans, such as bodily fluids, human and animal excrement, rotten food, or even discarded sharps (needles).

All hazardous and biohazard wastes pose a danger to health, so they should be handled cautiously and dealt with promptly.

Steps for handling hazardous waste and biohazards

  1. Risk assessment: Conduct a detailed inspection to assess the extent of the problem.
  2. Avoid direct contact: Always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when inspecting or moving hazardous materials.
  3. Identify and segregate: Separate the waste to ensure each type is treated and disposed of according to its specific requirements. For example, sharps must be disposed of in specially designed puncture-proof and leak-proof containers.
  4. Bring in professionals: Employ a professional and licensed waste disposal and clean-up company. They have the training, experience, and equipment to remedy the issue effectively and safely.
  5. Follow disposal guidelines: Follow the guidelines provided by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for biohazard waste disposal.
  6. Document: Keep records of incidents, inspections, and cleanup efforts. This documentation is often required for regulatory compliance and can also be helpful during audits or inspections.

The role of professional cleaning services

Professional cleaning companies are equipped to handle hazardous waste and biohazards safely and efficiently.

They use industrial-grade disinfectants, advanced equipment, and strict protocols to ensure thorough cleaning and compliance with health regulations.

At ServiceMaster Restore, we provide hazardous and biohazard waste services to housing associations, private landlords and environmental health departments.

In Devon, the team also are fully trained in all aspects of hazardous and biohazardous waste removal, including the safe collection and disposal of used needles, sharps and items requiring special disposal.

Following the waste clearance, we carry out a deep clean and decontamination.

We can also provide fogging, where very fine droplets of disinfectant are sprayed throughout a room to disinfect it thoroughly, or Ozone treatment, which removes unwanted odour and kills mould, vermin and microorganisms.

Need hazardous waste and biohazard removal services?

If you’re in the Devon and Torbay area and your property has suffered damage from hazardous waste, contact your local experts at ServiceMaster Clean Devon to help with the clean-up.

Call 01803 200 278 or email office@smcdevon.co.uk or nationwide, find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore experts to see how we can help.

Navigating Water Damage: Insurance Claims vs. Paying Out of Pocket

Navigating the claims process after water damage.

Water damage can strike unexpectedly, particularly with ever-changing extreme weather conditions, wreaking havoc on your home and disrupting your life.

2025 has already seen severe flooding across parts of the UK following a cold snap, which produced the coldest overnight temperatures in the nation in 15 years.

These conditions can easily cause water damage from various sources, from burst pipes and leaky roofs to flooding and sewer backups, the scenarios are varied, but the impact is universally distressing.

Impacts of Water Damage

Water damage can compromise the structural integrity of your property, ruin cherished possessions, and lead to costly repairs.

Understanding the full extent of these potential damages underscores the importance of being well-prepared and informed about the recovery process.

Understanding the claims process

One critical aspect of dealing with water damage is navigating the frequently complex and daunting insurance claims process.

Homeowners insurance can be a lifeline, helping to cover the expenses associated with repairing and restoring your home.

However, filing a claim, meeting adjusters, and ensuring you receive a fair settlement can be overwhelming, particularly after a disaster.

You can make the best decision for your situation by understanding how to navigate repairs and the insurance claims process and knowing when it might be more advantageous to pay out-of-pocket.

In this blog post, the experts at ServiceMaster Restore provide an overview of the steps involved in filing an insurance claim for water damage, along with tips on when opting for out-of-pocket restoration might be a more prudent decision.

The Insurance Claims Process for Water Damage

  1. Assess the Damage: The first step is to assess the extent of the water damage. Take photographs and detailed notes of all affected areas and items. This documentation will be crucial for your insurance claim.
  2. Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Many policies have a limited window for filing claims, so prompt communication is essential.
  3. Review Your Policy: Understand what your insurance policy covers. Standard homeowner’s insurance typically covers sudden and accidental water damage, but it often excludes damages resulting from neglect or lack of maintenance.
  4. Mitigate Further Damage: Take immediate steps to prevent further damage. This might include shutting off your water supply, removing standing water, and moving undamaged items to a safe location. Insurance companies usually require you to mitigate additional damage, so keep receipts for any emergency repairs.
  5. Work with an Adjuster: Your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage. Be prepared to provide your documentation and answer any questions they might have. The adjuster’s report will significantly impact your payout.
  6. Get Repair Estimates: Obtain estimates from reputable contractors for the necessary repairs. To support your claim, provide these estimates to your insurance company.
  7. File the Claim: Submit all required documentation, including the adjuster’s report, repair estimates, and any other requested information, to your insurance company. Keep copies of all correspondence for your records.
  8. Review the Settlement Offer: Once your claim is processed, the insurance company will provide a settlement offer. Review this offer carefully to ensure it covers your repair costs. If you disagree with the offer, you can negotiate or seek a second opinion.

When to Consider Self-Pay

While filing an insurance claim can provide significant financial relief, there are situations where self-paying might be more advantageous:

  1. Minor Damage: If the water damage is minor and the repair costs are relatively low, paying out of pocket might be more cost-effective. Filing a claim for minor repairs can increase premiums, making it more expensive in the long run.
  2. High Deductible: Consider the amount of your deductible. If the repair costs are close to or less than your deductible, filing a claim doesn’t make sense. In such cases, self-paying avoids the hassle of dealing with the insurance process.
  3. Potential Premium Increases: Insurance companies often raise premiums after a claim is filed. If you’re concerned about significant premium increases, especially if you have already made previous claims, paying out of pocket might be a better option.
  4. Policy Limits and Exclusions: Review your policy for any exclusions or limits related to water damage. Self-paying can alleviate the frustration of partial reimbursement if your policy doesn’t fully cover the damage or excludes certain aspects.
  5. Claim History: Frequent claims can lead to higher premiums or policy cancellations. Self-paying for smaller repairs can help maintain your coverage and prevent flagging as a high-risk policyholder if you’ve made multiple claims in the past.

It can be challenging to navigate the insurance claims process for water damage, but you can save money and stress by being knowledgeable and strategic about when to file a claim versus self-paying.

Evaluate your situation, consider the long-term implications, and choose the option that best suits your needs.

If you’re ever in doubt, consulting with a professional restoration company can provide valuable guidance tailored to your circumstances.

Tips for Making the Decision

  1. Evaluate the Damage early.

  • Importance of Quick Assessment and Professional Evaluation: The sooner you assess the damage, the faster you can start restoration work. Delays can lead to further deterioration, especially with water or mould issues. A prompt evaluation helps identify all affected areas, preventing overlooked damages that can escalate over time.
  • Consulting with Restoration Experts for Accurate Repair Estimates: Engaging with restoration professionals early ensures you get an accurate estimate of the repair costs. Experts can provide detailed assessments and identify hidden damages that might not be visible to an untrained eye. This precision is crucial for filing an insurance claim and planning the restoration process effectively.

  1. Review Your Insurance Policy Thoroughly

  • Understanding the Specifics of Your Coverage: Insurance policies can be complex and filled with jargon. Understanding what your policy covers, including any exclusions or limitations, is vital. Knowing your coverage’s specifics helps you set realistic expectations and plan accordingly.
  • Comparing Different Scenarios and Their Financial Impact: Consider various damage scenarios and their implications on your finances. Compare repair costs, potential out-of-pocket expenses, and the maximum payout from your insurance. This comparison helps you make informed decisions about repairs and ensures you are financially prepared for restoration.

  1. Seek Professional Advice

  • When to Involve a Public Adjuster or Insurance Advisor: If your insurance claim is complex or you’re facing significant financial decisions, it might be beneficial to involve a public adjuster or insurance advisor. These professionals can help navigate the claims process, ensuring you receive a fair settlement.
  • Benefits of Professional Guidance in Complex Claims: Public adjusters and insurance advisors bring expertise and experience, offering invaluable guidance during challenging times. They can assist you in interpreting policy details, negotiating with insurance companies, and providing strategic advice to maximise your claim and restore your property efficiently.

Making well-informed decisions during the aftermath of a disaster can make a substantial difference in your recovery journey.

By evaluating the damage early, thoroughly reviewing your insurance policy, and seeking professional advice, you can confidently navigate the restoration process and ensure the best possible outcome for your property.

How ServiceMaster Restore makes the claims process easier

ServiceMaster Restore UK is an established brand that has provided professional and expert disaster restoration services across the UK for over 60 years!

Today, ServiceMaster Restore is committed to helping our communities rebuild after a disaster, helping businesses get back to work, and helping our neighbours restore their homes to pre-loss conditions.

Whether dealing with a burst pipe that impacts one home or a flood that affects the entire community, we’re by your side to restore your property and peace of mind.

We have 24/7/365 UK call centres and over 100 service centres across the UK.

So, when disaster strikes, we can be there…fast.

Our core services include:

  • Flood and Water Damage Restoration
  • Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration
  • Leak Detection
  • Graffiti and Vandalism Restoration
  • Trauma Restoration
  • Mould Removal and Inspection
  • Sanitisation, Deep Cleaning and Disinfection Services

Additional Features: ServiceMaster Restore Plus and Connect

When claiming a resident, we also provide several solutions to make your reinstatement work smoother.

Through our ServiceMaster Restore Plus offering, our streamlined claims process means we may already be an approved supplier chosen by your insurance company.

Furthermore, as a policyholder, you also have a right to nominate your provider for reinstatement work and can choose to request your own restoration company, like ServiceMaster Restore.

Our ServiceMaster Connect solution is built to support commercial and domestic customers with quality trades.

You contact us and we arrange for one of our trusted traders to attend to quote or carry out much-needed tasks.

This saves you time on checking documents and ensures that they are the right company for the job, we already know they are!

With ‘Connect’, we can act as an end-to-end reinstatement through approved suppliers and handle the claims for you as the policyholder.

Need some help with flood restoration?

Don’t know what to do next after flooding? We do.

For an end-to-end solution to flood and water damage, contact your local experts.

We can be on hand within 4 hours for a flooding emergency to help clear water from your property, followed by removal and decontamination from rainwater flooding.

To prevent lasting damage to your property or health, contact your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to repair any rainwater flooding damage today or call 0845 762 6828 in an emergency.

How to deal with rainwater flooding

How to prevent and repair rainwater flooding damage to your property.  

In your home or your business, flooding is a most unwelcome event.

Here’s how you can help protect your home and prevent flooding damage and what to do should the worst happen.

How to prevent rainwater flooding

  • Clear drains and gutters to avoid overflow
  • Keep windows closed (where possible)
  • Apply sandbags if you are near banks
  • Waterproofing

How to restore rainwater flooding

After experiencing water damage from flooding, you will be left cleaning up a watery mess.

Whether ripping up carpet or tiles or replacing furnishings, there’s a lot of work ahead to get your home back in order.

Follow these eight water damage restoration tips for cleaning up after water damage.

  1. Prepare for water damage insurance claims

Thankfully, many insurance policies cover unexpected water damage.

Contact your insurance company immediately and take the proper steps to prepare for your claim.

It is important to note water damage to your home is generally covered by a standard homeowner’s insurance policy.

If the damage is considered sudden internal water damage, your policy should protect you.

However, it usually does not cover damage done by lack of maintenance or neglect, nor damage resulting from a flood.

To prepare for your insurance claim, take the following steps:

  • Take photos of the water damage to keep track of household items and home conditions.
  • Keep damaged materials for proof of loss.
  • Be present if an adjuster needs to visit your home.
  • The adjuster will assess the damage to the house, providing you with a proof of loss statement to sign.
  • Additional damages can be added when identified.

  1. Disconnect the power and gas before entering the premises

Before any clean-up, you must shut down the electrical supply and the gas.

Turning off power leading into the affected area, particularly if water rises above electrical outlets, will help reduce the risk of electrical shock. Equally, turning off the gas will prevent harmful fumes from building up and seeping into your home.

  1. Remove important household items

Remove electronics, furniture, and any other valuable items immediately. The quicker you can get items out of the water, the better chance of saving them.

If you don’t have a lot of standing water around the house, you can also try pulling up your carpets and under-padding or even some sticky back tiles to see what you can salvage.

  1. Remove excess water

Removing excess water is the most challenging part of flood recovery.

If it is necessary to turn off the power, take the manual approach.

Gather buckets, towels, and mops to eliminate as much water as possible. This can be physically taxing, so take breaks when necessary.

If you can supply power or a backup generator for your commercial premises, you can hook up an automatic pump or a wet vac to remove the water. Either way, remove the excess water at the earliest possible time.

  1. Dry out the affected area

When excess water has been removed, move on to the drying stage urgently.

Use fans, dehumidifiers, and any open windows to improve air circulation and help dry out the damaged area and then continue to circulate dry air.

  1. Clean and disinfect the damaged area

After the damaged area has had time to dry, use a good disinfectant to remove any bacteria that might have come up through sewers, plumbing, or outside, depending on your water source.

Various affordable and accessible cleaning solutions can help clean the area, including bleach, ammonia, sodium tetraborate decahydrate, vinegar, and bicarbonate of soda.

  1. Take steps to stop mould growth

Once the damaged area has been dried and cleaned, it is time to take preventative steps to stop mould from seriously growing. Apply a mould control spray over the affected area according to the directions on the bottle.

Once the spray dries overnight, it will destroy any mould spores.

  1. Dispose of damaged items in a responsible way

To properly deal with water damage, you must stop the water from entering the premises and drying up as much as possible. Contact your insurance agent and prevent mould from growing. Remove and discard damaged items in the most responsible way that you can.

Need some help with flood restoration?

These are just the basics of flooding restoration. There is much more involved than extracting water from your property.

Stagnant water can prove deadly if ingested following ineffective cleaning and sanitisation following rainwater flooding. As well as extraction, our teams at ServiceMaster Restore will dry, clean and decontaminate your property to ensure no rainwater remains.

We can be on hand within 4 hours for a flooding emergency to help clear water from your property, followed by removal and decontamination from rainwater flooding.

To prevent lasting damage to your property or health, contact your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to repair any rainwater flooding damage today or call 0845 762 6828 in an emergency.