Getting Rid of Fire Damage Odor
Getting the smoke odor out of your belongings after a house fire is a task that can require specialized equipment and very specific expertise. Fire damage odor seeps into nearly every article in your home and it can be incredibly time- and labor-intensive to remove it. Although it is possible to remove fire damage odor from some items and surfaces yourself, you should enlist the services of a professional. Knowing how to get rid of fire damage odor effectively can be very helpful if you are the victim of a house fire.
Hire Professionals to Get Rid of Fire Damage Odor
Consult your homeowner’s insurance company for guidance with hiring a professional restorer or full-service restoration company to get rid of fire damage odor. There are some places in your home that only a professional can remove the fire damage odor from, such as your air ducts. You also need to hire professionals to have your furniture cleaned and your other fabrics or linens dry-cleaned. Years of experience and training allows professional restorers to remove any fire damage odor from any of your belongings painlessly and easily.
Purchase Chemical Cleaners to Get Rid of Fire Damage Odor
You can purchase a product called trisodium phosphate (TSP) at most major hardware or home improvement stores to rid your home of fire damage odor. TSP is a harsh chemical detergent that you use to clean the walls and ceilings of your home. Take care when using TSP and wear heavy rubber gloves and eye protection. One tablespoon of TSP per gallon of warm water is an ideal mixture. Apply it to a sponge and scrub vigorously. Repeat applications are likely necessary. Keep in mind that cleaning the surfaces of your home with TSP can be dangerous and extremely time-consuming and labor-intensive, so it is best to leave this task to a professional restoration company.
Use Natural Methods to Get Rid of Fire Damage Odor
Open all of the windows and let as much fresh air pass through your home as possible. This, in conjunction with using TSP or other natural products, can greatly expedite the time it takes your home to be fire damage odor-free. Bowls of vinegar, baking soda, or powdered and activated charcoal are natural deodorizers and should help absorb some of the fire damage odor in your home. Expect several days to pass before there are any noticeable improvements.
Use Ozone to Get Rid of Fire Damage Odor
An ozone machine is by far the most effective way to eliminate fire damage odor from your home. This involves renting an ozone machine and letting it run for several days in your sealed home. Be aware, however, that ozone machine rentals are expensive, and ozone itself is toxic, so it is best to hire a professional restorer to handle and use the machine.
Removing fire damage odor from your home and belongings following a house fire is a task best left to a professional. The inherent dangers of the tools and methods used should serve as a warning that this project is one best handled by a professional. If you have questions about the methods used to remove fire odor damage from your home, contact a local restoration company.