Whether its a house fire or commercial property, the damage caused by a fire can have devastating impact creating structural damage and making unpleasant to live in. In addition to that it, if its not cleaned up when safe to do it can put your health at sever risk.
Therefore, it is essential that fire damage is assessed and cleaned up as soon it is safe to do so. Not only can it cause financial loss, but a delay or failure to seek professional fire restoration can lead to further deterioration of the building and equipment.
Soot is one of the most challenging things to remove when dealing with fires. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also be dangerous to humans and animals when coming in contact with soot.
What Is Soot?
Soot is made of tiny carbon particles created by incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons and fossil fuels, including charred wood, oil, coal, and other materials. Soot contains many acids from chemicals, metals, soils, and dust. These particles leave behind a visible dark substance and foul smell.
What Is Soot From Fire?
The most common cause of soot is during and after a fire. During a fire, soot is formed when carbon particles don’t burn thoroughly during the combustion process. Incomplete combustion requires the fuel to burn at a lower temperature with a slightly reduced oxygen supply.
When these particles settle on surfaces, they can cause discolouration and a noticeable smell. Soot can be difficult to remove because it is very fine and easily embeds in porous materials like wood and fabric.
What Are the Dangers of Soot Exposure?
Soot exposure dangers should be taken seriously because they can lead to potential health hazards. Soot particles are small enough to enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or via the skin and eyes. The adverse effects of soot’s toxic particles can include the following symptoms:
- Asthma attacks
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Eye irritation
- Headaches
- Nosebleeds
- Sore throat
These symptoms can also lead to other long-term health issues. Since soot is a known carcinogen, it can increase your cancer risk. For those with compromised immune systems and health sensitivities, inhaling soot particles can damage your heart and lungs, worsening chronic respiratory conditions like asthma and emphysema. If soot is present in your home, removing it as soon as possible is imperative to avoid any health consequences.
How To Clean Up Soot After Fire Damage?
Removing Soot is really hard. Always get Professionals to do it
The first step to removing soot is to identify the source. Once you know where the soot is coming from, you can take the necessary steps to remove it. If the soot is on a non-porous surface, like metal or glass, you can use a damp cloth to wipe it away. For porous surfaces, like wood or fabric, you’ll need to use a cleaner specifically designed for removing soot.
When cleaning up soot particles, avoid using water-based cleaners. Water will just spread the soot around and make the problem worse. Instead, use a dry-cleaning solvent or an oil-based cleanser. You can also use a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to remove soot from surfaces like carpets and upholstery.
Once you’ve removed the soot, you may need to take steps to prevent it from returning. It’s a good idea to clean your stovetop regularly and ensure your fireplace is well-cleaned. Another good tip: avoid using oil-based paint in your home.
Often, professional help is needed to remove soot from your home thoroughly. If the soot is widespread or you’re not comfortable cleaning it yourself, hire a reputable fire damage restoration company. These companies have the experience and equipment to remove soot quickly and safely.
Soot can be a complex problem that requires much effort to eliminate, so it’s important to begin the removal process as soon as possible. The preceding steps ensure your soot removal can be done quickly and safely.
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Our technicians are available round the clock, 365 days a year, and can be on site in several hours in an emergency.
They have lots of experience providing a quick, stress-free service, and can provide a wide range of services that you may require, from smoke odour removal to water damage restoration.
