Tag Archive for: smoke damage

Fire Damage Doesn’t Stop When the Flames Are Out

When a fire is extinguished, it may seem like the worst is over. However, the damage often continues. While flames cause immediate destruction, smoke, soot, and water can lead to longer-lasting problems.

What Happens After the Fire

Smoke spreads beyond the area where the fire started, travelling through rooms, vents, and ceilings. Soot settles on surfaces, sometimes in unexpected places. Additionally, water used to extinguish the fire can soak into materials, creating a second layer of damage.

The Hidden Impact

After a fire, you may encounter the following issues:

  • Lingering smoke odours
  • Soot stains on walls and ceilings
  • Corrosion on metal surfaces
  • Trapped moisture within structures

These problems can develop even after the fire has been put out.

Why Quick Action Matters

The longer smoke and moisture remain, the more damage they cause. Soot can lead to permanent stains, moisture can promote mould growth, and odours become harder to eliminate. Swift cleaning and drying can significantly reduce long-term impacts.

Restoring the Property Properly

Fire damage restoration involves more than simply clearing debris. It requires thorough cleaning, deodorising, drying, and repairing affected areas. Without proper restoration, issues can persist beneath the surface.

Getting the Right Support

ServiceMaster Restore offers fire and smoke damage cleaning and restoration services across the UK. Our professional teams assess the full extent of the damage and begin work quickly to prevent further complications.

If your property has been affected by fire, call 0800 021 3970 or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to see how we can assist you.

, , , ,

Case study: Emergency fire and smoke remediation

Emergency fire and smoke remediation restoration for a vulnerable resident.

This case study from ServiceMaster Clean Devon highlights the importance of fast, specialist intervention after a domestic fire. When smoke and soot damage threaten both a property and the wellbeing of its occupant, speed, expertise and sensitivity are critical. In this instance, our team restored the home safely and quickly, allowing the vulnerable resident to remain in familiar surroundings during an already distressing situation.

The challenge

Following an electrical fault in a kitchen kettle, a local flat suffered significant fire and smoke damage throughout the kitchen, living room, and hallway.

The situation was particularly sensitive, as the resident was an elderly, vulnerable person whose primary wish was to remain in their home. In incidents involving heavy soot and smoke, relocation is often a lengthy and distressing necessity. Our mission was clear: to restore the environment to a safe, liveable condition immediately, preventing the resident from having to move out.

Our response

Speed is the most critical factor in fire restoration as the acidic nature of soot can cause permanent “secondary damage” to fixtures within hours. We responded the same day.

  • Arrival: Once the electricians and gas engineers declared the site safe, ServiceMaster was on-site within just 2 hours of initial contact.
  • Immediate action: Our team focused on high-risk surfaces, including chrome-plated taps, plastic electrical fittings, and kitchen units, which are most susceptible to soot corrosion.

The solution

We employed a multi-stage restoration process to ensure the property was not just “clean,” but medically safe and odour-free:

  1. Dry recovery: We began by vacuuming all surfaces using specialised equipment. This process removed approximately 80% of loose soot contamination without smearing it into the substrates.
  2. Chemical remediation: After the dry cleaning, we used professional-grade soot sponges and ServiceMaster restoration agents to clean all suitable surfaces.
  3. Stability: This process eliminated residual contamination and neutralised the acidic soot, significantly reducing the risk of cross-contamination and lingering smoke odours.

The outcome

The efficiency of our team enabled an industry-leading turnaround:

  • Day 1 (within 24 hours): The property was soot-free, sanitised, and liveable, allowing the resident to stay in their home and avoid the trauma of relocation.
  • Day 2: All surfaces were fully prepared for the next phase. While some permanent staining remained, the structure was clean and ready for stain-blocking and redecoration.

By arriving within hours and completing the structural clean within a day, we didn’t just restore a property; we protected a resident’s independence amid a high-stress crisis.

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

 

What to Do After Fire or Smoke Damage in Winter

Fire and smoke damage can be distressing at any time of year. During winter, it becomes even more difficult to manage. Cold weather, restricted ventilation, and extended drying times all contribute to the difficulty. Knowing what steps to take after a fire helps safeguard your property and prevents further damage.

The most important thing is to act quickly, but safely.

Step 1: Make Sure the Property Is Safe

Do not re-enter the property until the fire service declares it safe. Fire can weaken floors, ceilings, and walls. Even small fires may cause hidden structural damage.

If you smell gas or see damaged electrical wiring, stay outside and contact the relevant emergency service.

Step 2: Limit Further Damage

Once it is safe, take steps to prevent further damage.

  • Ventilate the property where possible by opening windows and doors briefly to release smoke odours.
  • Cover damaged areas if the weather permits.
  • Remove unaffected belongings from smoky rooms.
  • In winter, avoid leaving windows open for extended periods, as cold air slows drying and increases condensation.

Step 3: Avoid DIY Cleaning

Smoke residue and soot spread easily. Wiping surfaces without the proper products can push soot further into materials and cause stains to become permanent.

Soot contains dangerous particles. Inhaling them can irritate the lungs and eyes. Professional fire and smoke damage cleaning removes contamination safely and effectively.

Step 4: Contact Your Insurer Early

Notify your insurer promptly. Take photographs of all visible damage and record what has been affected. Do not dispose of any items until they have been inspected.

Your insurer may appoint a loss adjuster to assess the damage and advise on next steps.

Step 5: Start the Restoration Process

Fire damage restoration during winter takes longer. Cold air hampers drying, and smoke odours persist. Specialist equipment is required to clean, dry, and deodorise affected areas.

Professional restoration helps prevent long-term problems like corrosion, staining, and mould growth.

Why Winter Makes Fire and Smoke Damage Worse

In colder months, properties remain closed. Smoke particles settle further into soft furnishings, walls, and insulation. Moisture from firefighting can freeze or cause condensation, resulting in secondary water damage.

This makes prompt, professional intervention essential.

When to Get Professional Help

If your property has experienced fire or smoke damage in winter or at any time of year, expert support is essential. Proper cleaning, drying, and deodorising help protect both the building and the health of those living or working there. ServiceMaster Restore offers fire and smoke damage restoration nationwide in the UK.

Our teams work throughout the year and are familiar with the challenges brought by winter conditions.

If you need help after a fire, call 0800 021 3970, or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to see how we can help today.

Bonfire Night safety tips

How to have a safe bonfire night.

It’s vital to know Bonfire Night safety tips before enjoying the celebrations.

Read on for some helpful Bonfire Night safety tips to keep you, your family and friends safe this Bonfire Night.

Did you know that the Fire Brigade attends thousands of out-of-control bonfires each year?

Help to keep the Fire Brigade accessible for fires that can’t be prevented by following these simple Bonfire Night safety tips:

Bonfire Safety Tips

  • Check there is no wildlife or pets where you build your bonfire
  • Build your bonfire clear away from buildings, sheds, fences and hedges
  • Don’t light your bonfire with flammable liquids
  • Don’t burn dangerous items such as aerosol cans, paint tins, batteries or foam-filled furniture
  • Always have clear access to plenty of water in case you need to use it (buckets/hose pipe)
  • Never leave a bonfire unattended, and ensure it is damped out when finished

To prevent smoke from entering your home, ensure that windows are closed and doors are shut.

Any clothing worn for the bonfire should ideally be washed quickly to avoid the smell entering your home.

Need smoke or fire and smoke restoration?

Call emergency services immediately if you are unfortunate enough to be impacted by a spreading bonfire.

Our fire and smoke damage restoration experts at ServiceMaster Restore can help with the aftermath and restoration.

For 24/7 professional fire and smoke restoration services, call 0845 762 6828

,

How to Get Smoke Smell Out of House After a Fire

Eliminating the lingering effects of smoke damage with tips from the experts at ServiceMaster Restore.

Going through a fire is stressful. Fires can cause extensive damage throughout your home or property, which requires the help of professionals to restore.

In addition to repairing items burnt, soot-covered, or damaged by water from firefighting efforts, there’s also the question of how to remove the smoke smell from the house. The smell of soot or smoke can linger well after a fire, causing unwanted discomfort or damage to you and your family.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through removing smoke odours from your home. We’ve included immediate steps, deep cleaning suggestions, and odour-neutralisation recommendations.

4 Immediate Steps to Get Rid of Fire Smoke Smell

  1. Ensure the Fire is Completely Extinguished: This might seem obvious, but it’s crucial. Never attempt to clean or ventilate until you’re sure the fire is out and any investigations are complete.
  2. Ventilate (When Safe): Once it’s safe, open windows and doors to circulate fresh air. Use fans to exhaust smoky air outwards, not just within the house.
  3. Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible to begin the claims process.
  4. Assess the Damage: Carefully evaluate the extent of the smoke damage. This will help determine whether you can handle the cleanup or need professional smoke odour cleaning.

How to Clean and Deodorise to Remove Smoke Smell

Essentially, everything in a home affected by fire smoke needs to be cleaned.

Some items may only require thorough airing to remove the smoke smell. However, most items, such as carpeting, rugs, curtains, upholstery, and clothing, will need a thorough cleaning and possible sanitisation.

While special tools and techniques used by professionals will be more effective, you can still take some steps to mitigate the damage caused by the smoke odour from items.

We’ll break it down by material type:

Cleaning Fabrics (Clothing, Bedding, Curtains, etc.)

  • Wash Everything Washable. Use a high-quality detergent and add a laundry booster designed for odour removal. Don’t forget often-overlooked items like pet bedding, stuffed animals, and even decorative pillows.
  • Dry Clean Delicate Items. Take delicate fabrics to a professional dry cleaner, and be sure to tell them about the smoke damage.
  • Dealing with Oily Soot. If your fabrics have oily soot, avoid using your washing machine, as it can clog. Instead, try taking them to a dry cleaner.
  • Storing Clean Materials. After cleaning, store items away from the affected area to prevent re-contamination.

Cleaning Hard Surfaces (Walls, Ceilings, Woodwork, etc.)

  • Wipe Down Everything. Use mild detergent and water to clean all hard surfaces, including painted surfaces, baseboards, doors, window frames/sills, and the outside and interiors of all cabinets and drawers.

Pro-Tip:

  • Act quickly. The acidic soot can cause metallic surfaces to corrode or rust within hours. Likewise, hard surfaces such as wood, wallpaper, drywall, or paint may start to discolour if soot is not removed shortly after damage. Remove soot as soon as possible to avoid hard-to-remove stains or odours.

Cleaning Carpets and Upholstery

  • Vacuum carpets and upholstery with a HEPA-filtered vacuum. Avoid using an upright vacuum with a beater bar on upholstery, as this can push soot deeper into the fibres. Use a brush attachment and vacuum gently.
  • Spot Cleaning. For smaller areas, try spot cleaning with a specialised smoke odour remover. Test the cleaner in an inconspicuous area first.
  • Professional Cleaning. For heavy smoke damage or if DIY methods are ineffective, consider hiring a professional smoke odour removal company.

Pro-Tips:

  • Upright Vacuums. Avoid vacuuming curtains or upholstery if you’re using an upright vacuum. The brushes can cause soot to go deeper into the material, resulting in more damage. Using the right equipment to remove the soot is important.
  • What to Do with Smoke-Damaged Wood Furniture. When cleaning, keep smoke-damaged wood furniture away from your carpet. The cleaning solutions may leak and cause carpet stains unless there is a protective barrier between the two.

Cleaning Hidden Areas (Drawers, Wardrobes, Light Fixtures, etc.)

Smoke can infiltrate even the smallest spaces. Empty and clean drawers and wardrobes thoroughly. Also, remember to clean light fixtures, behind appliances, and other often-overlooked areas.

Here are several tips for cleaning the hidden areas:

  • Drawers and Wardrobes. Empty them, wipe down all surfaces with a mild detergent, and leave them open to air out.
  • Light Fixtures. Wash removable covers and shades, wipe down bulbs and fixtures, and consider replacing bulbs with persistent odours.
  • Behind Appliances. Pull out appliances, vacuum, and wipe down surfaces.
  • Empty and wipe down all interior surfaces.
  • Under Furniture. Move furniture, vacuum, and clean underneath.

Odour Neutralisation Recommendations

  • Bicarbonate of Soda. Place bowls of bicarb around the house. Sprinkle it on carpets, let it sit, and then vacuum it up.
  • Activated Charcoal. Activated charcoal is another excellent odour absorber. Use charcoal bags or filters.
  • Place bowls of white vinegar around the house or simmer vinegar on the stovetop (just be careful not to burn it!).
  • Air Purifiers. A good quality air purifier with a HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter can help remove smoke particles and odours from the air.

Note: These products may not be as effective at removing the smoke smell alone, but could help areas that weren’t as directly affected by the fire smoke.

Factors That Affect Smoke Odour Removal

Removing smoke odours from your home or property after a fire can seem straightforward. However, the amount of time needed to do so will depend on various factors.

These factors include:

  • Type of Soot. There are two types of soot: dry and oily. Dry soot is easier to clean and can be handled with a sponge and a low-alkaline detergent. Oily soot requires special techniques and equipment to be safely removed from your home. If you’re unsure, it’s time to get help from a professional to ensure that your home and belongings aren’t damaged.
  • Size of the Fire-damaged Area. If the affected area is small, the amount of effort needed to eliminate smoke smells will often be lower when compared to a large building with multiple rooms.
  • Size of the Fire. A larger fire can cause more damage, which will, in turn, lead to more potential for smoke odour throughout your property.
  • Time Delay After Fire. The longer you wait, the worse the smoke damage will get. Even if the damage seems minimal, most materials at home can start to yellow, discolour, rust, or corrode due to the impact of acidic soot or smoke particles. Treating them as soon as possible can improve your chances of reducing the need for more care.
  • Types of Materials Burned. Materials throughout your home react differently to soot and smoke molecules. Porous hard surfaces such as drywall, wallpaper, wood, and paint can become discoloured and permanently stained unless treated quickly. Acidic soot from a fire may also cause metallic surfaces to start rusting and corroding. Even cleaning your furniture may be damaging. Cleaning chemicals may seep into your carpet as it dries, carrying soot and smoke molecules that can cause stains.
  • Fire smoke infiltrates all areas of a home. It can seep into carpeting, furniture, clothing, draperies, books and even woodwork. Removing fire smoke smell from a home is a process best left to the professionals with the expertise, specialised equipment, and ability to work safely within your home without causing further damage.

Need Professional Smoke Odour Removal? We Can Help.

Call us if you’d like to trust your smoke-smell removal to the pros. After your home is affected by smoke, contact ServiceMaster Restore for smoke odour removal services that will restore it to normal.

Our team will work with you to ensure that your salvageable belongings are restored and that your home is free from smoke odours. We will also inspect your property after fire damage to ensure no extensive damage results in costly repairs down the road.

The experts at ServiceMaster Restore are standing by to help you remove unwanted odours from your home or office. Find your nearest experts or call 0800 021 3970 in a crisis to see how we can help you today.

How to add value for policyholders at no extra cost

How ServiceMaster Restore can support you and your policyholders when you need it most.

When your policyholders face a disaster, one of their biggest concerns is cost. As a broker, this is a concern you share. You’ll also want to minimise the cost of restoration work, no matter how complex.

Extra disaster restoration costs often arise from delays or third-party contractors. That’s why, at ServiceMaster Restore, we’ve reduced the costs of restoration work through approved networks to save you and your policyholders time and money.

Let’s see how.

ServiceMaster Restore Plus

In disaster restoration, time is money, so saving time means saving costs. Your policyholders want to know that they can return to their property as soon as possible.

ServiceMaster Restore Plus is a hassle-free addition to your existing coverage. It caters to the diverse needs across sectors to ensure guaranteed same-day callouts, exceptional service, and cheaper claims costs.

How?

Restore Plus is our network of restoration specialists. Being part of it means that with one phone call through our 24/7 Priority Line, you can arrange for someone to be on-site the same day. With Restore Plus, lengthy and costly claims processes are a thing of the past. As soon as disaster strikes, we’ve got you and your policyholders covered.

ServiceMaster Restore Connect

ServiceMaster Restore Connect is our official supplier network, joining you, your policyholders and us with the nation’s most reputable trade experts and contractors.

Through this network, we offer a complete end-to-end solution for restoration work. Whether for a commercial or domestic property, ServiceMaster Restore Connect is a seamless integration of our services that brings together local experts in various trades. So, no matter where you are in the country, you can trust we’ll have an expert at the door the same day.

When your policyholders contact ServiceMaster Restore UK, they’re not only benefiting from 65+ years of experience delivering premium disaster restoration services, but also from approved suppliers that allow us to support on…

  • Drainage Solutions
  • Building Repairs
  • Electrical and Lighting
  • Floor covering, Boarding & Scaffolding
  • Furniture and Upholstery Repairs
  • Plumbing, Water & Heating
  • Refurbishment and Reinstatement work (painting and decorating)
  • Roofing
  • Landscaping
  • Waste Management
  • Pest Control

And we’re not done. As the portfolio of approved suppliers grows, we can support our customers in more ways, ensuring all policyholders get the right help when they need it most.

Choosing ServiceMaster Restore means choosing an end-to-end solution that can mitigate damage, report and complete all restoration works. So, you can spend more time with your policyholders, knowing each client is being looked after, as Restore Plus also means they use our services risk-free. When making a claim, we work within their excess and report before an insurer has even attended the property.

Combined, ServiceMaster Restore and Connect ensure our local experts can be on hand fast to deliver professional solutions. All while making you the hero, by providing great value at a speed that saves time and money.

See the value of a comprehensive restoration service

Join the supply chain for premium end-to-end claims management and disaster restoration solutions from an industry-leading brand with over 65 years of providing evolving and expert services across the UK.

Sign up for ServiceMaster Restore Connect and ServiceMaster Restore Plus and get connected to more local opportunities and be the hero your policyholders need. It’s easy and (not to mention) free!

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

3 Crucial Home Fire Safety Tips

A home fire occurs every 15 minutes in the UK, the equivalent of approximately 93 per day, adding up to over 34,000 a year. These fires result in thousands of deaths and injuries each year, along with billions in property damage. While the numbers are alarming, some of the harm caused by residential fires is avoidable.

A strong home fire safety plan can improve your policyholders’ chances of escaping a fire safely and, in some cases, it may help them avoid one altogether. Share these three important tips on fire safety with your policyholders to help spread awareness.

The best way to stay safe from fires is to stop them from occurring in the first place. Start by implementing these fire safety tips from the experts at ServiceMaster Restore.

Home Fire Prevention

  • Keep flammable materials away from heat sources. If you’re using a portable heater, keep it at least three feet away from flammable objects like furniture, blankets, electronics, and anything combustible.
  • Don’t leave flames or smoking materials unattended, including fireplaces, stovetops, candles and cigarettes. Avoid smoking indoors, and never smoke in bed. The majority of avoidable deaths from home fires are caused by smoking in the UK.
  • Fix or replace frayed electrical cords or wires.
  • Don’t overload plug sockets or extension cables.
  • Have your chimney periodically inspected and kept in good working order.
  • Make sure everyone in the household understands the importance of home fire safety and observes fire-safe habits, including your kids.

Home Fire Safety Equipment

A good home fire safety plan includes having the right supplies and safety equipment on hand. These tools will be your first line of defence in the event of a fire, and they can dramatically improve your ability to react effectively.

  • Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home, in every bedroom, and outside each sleeping area.
  • Inspect and maintain your smoke alarms.
  • A fire extinguisher can keep small, containable fires from growing out of control. Have an extinguisher or fire blanket handy whenever you use cooking or heating equipment.

Fire Safety Planning

During an emergency, reaction time is critical. Beyond the equipment you need, everyone in your household should know what to do if a fire starts. Here are some tips to get you started:

Create a fire safety plan that establishes at least two escape routes and a safe location away from the home where everyone can meet.

  • Make an emergency communications plan to stay in contact during and after a fire.
  • Practice your escape plan twice a year so everyone can act quickly when it counts.
  • Teach children how and when to call 999.

Don’t know what to do next? We do.

Don’t let a fire catch your policyholders off guard. The right preparations and an effective home fire safety plan can mitigate the risk of injury or damage during a residential fire or help prevent a fire emergency altogether.

If disaster does strike, ServiceMaster Restore is here to help your policyholders through the traumatic event of a home fire. With over 65 years of industry experience, you can count on us to provide your policyholders with the peace of mind they need.

Find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business or call our 24/7 response line on 0800 021 3970 to see how your local experts can help you.

ServiceMaster SOS: About our emergency callout services

How ServiceMaster Restore helps you in a crisis.

Need an emergency callout?

Disaster can strike without warning, leaving you blindsided by the trauma of a damaged property and no clue how to start picking up the pieces.

ServiceMaster Restore has been delivering premium disaster restoration services in the UK since 1959, from fire, water and trauma aftermath restoration to sanitisation and graffiti vandalism cleanup. 

Don’t know what to do next? We do.

In a crisis, whatever the day, whatever the time, we will be there.

But how do our emergency callout services work?

Emergency Callouts

As of June 2024, ServiceMaster Restore covers much of the UK with 30 dedicated locations from Barnsley to Belfast.

There are many ways of contacting your local experts, from our find your nearest tool or filling out a contact form from our homepage.

But in an emergency, you can also call 0800 021 3970, no matter the time of day or night, to contact the people best equipped to help you.

ServiceMaster Restore Plus

In a disaster, time is of the essence.

Acting fast saves you property damage and often a lot of money.

Especially when facing flooding or smoke damage, a lot of the damage can come from secondary sources if left to linger – like smoke or mould. 

However, due to lengthy claims processes, often your property doesn’t get the rapid response to prevent these damages due to an abundance of red tape.

At ServiceMaster Restore, we don’t let this stop you from saving your property from damage.

With ServiceMaster Restore Plus, we’ve streamlined the claims process by working closely with approved suppliers and accredited professionals, allowing us to be on-site and carry out expert disaster restoration services 24/7, 365 days a week, often within the first 24 hours of a disaster – the most vital and time-sensitive period.

Our technicians across the UK are local to you and work closely with other approved local suppliers to ensure we can get to you fast and get your property back to as close as its previous condition in as little time as possible, causing you less disruption and trauma in the long run. 

Need an emergency callout?

Whatever damages your residential or commercial property is facing, ServiceMaster Restore is here to help.

Backed by over 60 years of experience delivering professional and comprehensive disaster restoration, prevention and mitigation services across the UK with the latest tools and expertise to help you recover from whatever life throws at you.

Disasters don’t work just 9-5, and neither do we. Our teams are on hand through our hotline 24/7, 365 days a year.

We’ll be there on 0800 021 3970 if you need us in an emergency.

Or, nationwide, find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business today for support with a range of premium disaster restoration services from your local heroes.

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.

The importance of smoke alarm maintenance

How and why to keep your smoke alarm in good condition.

Fire alarms are vital tools for homes and businesses alike.

However, as with most technology, smoke alarms are subject to technical faults and other issues.

Given the importance of their function, they must be maintained and checked regularly.

At ServiceMaster Restore, we promise to restore your premises as close to their original condition as possible following disasters like fire.

In cases of emergency, we will be there, but these are worst-case scenarios.

To avoid disaster altogether, we’ve put together some tips on smoke alarm maintenance.

Why check your smoke alarm?

Your smoke alarm can be affected by various factors that impact its ability to alert you to potential danger.

These include:

  • Age and installation
  • Dust and dirt build-up
  • Vandalism or tampering
  • Exposures to temperature, humidity and voltage

These factors can influence your smoke alarm at any time, so regularly testing its effectiveness is essential for your home or business.

An improperly functioning smoke can be a danger to…

  1. Your safety

Perhaps the most evident reason to check your smoke alarm regularly is for the safety it provides.

Smoke alarms are designed to detect smoke before humans are likely able to.

This protects you from the threats of fire and smoke, like smoke inhalation, and ensures you can reach a safe location as quickly as possible.

Additionally, for commercial properties, most alarm systems allow emergency responders to pinpoint the location of the fire.

This allows them to maximise their safety while having a strategic approach to extinguishing the threat.

  1. Legality

For landlords and commercial properties, there are legal requirements and legislation around smoke alarm ownership.

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 came into force on 1 October 2022.

From that date, all relevant landlords have been required to:

  1. Ensure at least one smoke alarm is equipped on each storey of their homes where a room is used as living accommodation.

This has been a legal requirement in the private rented sector since 2015.

  1. Ensure a carbon monoxide alarm is equipped in any room used as living accommodation which contains a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers).
  2. Ensure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are repaired or replaced once it is found that they are faulty.

Fines of up to £5’000 can be enforced if a landlord fails to comply with a remedial notice.

For more information, the UK Government website provides information about the requirements, to whom they apply, and how they are enforced.

  1. Protection of contents

For commercial properties, the setup and operations of businesses often require heavy investments into the site, from real estate, design, furniture and electronics, to supplies and inventory.

Proper installation and maintenance of smoke alarms help safeguard these assets from damage.

Regular maintenance of smoke detectors and fire alarm systems by certified, qualified fire safety professionals can serve to protect the people at home or work and the buildings themselves.

How to ensure your smoke alarm is in good condition

Keeping your smoke alarm in working condition is an ongoing and vital process and can be done by following some easy steps:

  • Test your smoke alarms regularly (at least monthly) by pressing the test button on each smoke alarm to ensure it’s working.
  • Replace batteries regularly – Smoke alarms should have a fresh battery installed yearly or as soon as the low-battery warning chirps.
  • Install smoke alarms in the right places – There should be a smoke alarm on every landing of every floor and in the kitchen.
  • Keep smoke alarms clean – Dust and debris can interfere with smoke alarm sensors, so vacuum your smoke alarms regularly.
  • Replace smoke alarms when necessary – Smoke alarms should be replaced every decade or sooner if damaged or ill-functioning.

In need of professional fire and smoke restoration?

Smoke alarms are in place in homes and commercial properties to try and minimise the likelihood of an incident.

But, should the worst happen and your property and its contents fall victim to fire and smoke damage, we will be there in the aftermath.

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

With 60 years of experience as leading experts in disaster restoration, our technicians are here to help you.

When dealing with fire and smoke damage, you might not know what to do next, but we do.

To use our smoke and fire restoration services, find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business today.