When it comes to soot and smoke damage, time is of the essence. The sooner you act, the better your chances are of saving your belongings and preventing further damage. That’s why it’s important to understand the science of soot and smoke cleanup.
Soot is a type of particulate matter that’s made up of tiny particles of carbon. It’s produced when there’s incomplete combustion, such as when a fire burns. Soot can be either dry or oily.
Smoke is made up of soot and other particles, such as water vapor and chemicals. It’s produced when there’s complete combustion, such as when a cigarette is burned.
When soot and smoke come into contact with surfaces, they can cause staining and discoloration. They can also penetrate deep into porous materials, such as wood, drywall, and fabric.
The first step in soot and smoke cleanup is to identify the type of soot or smoke present. This will help you determine the best way to clean it up.
Dry soot is easier to clean up than oily soot. It can be removed with a vacuum cleaner or dry cleaning sponge. Oily soot is more difficult to remove and may require the use of a solvent-based cleaner.
Smoke can also be classified as either dry or oily. Dry smoke is easier to clean up than oily smoke. It can be removed with a HEPA filter vacuum. Oily smoke is more difficult to remove and may require the use of a solvent-based cleaner.
Once you’ve identified the type of soot or smoke present, you can begin the cleanup process. If possible, ventilate the area to remove any lingering fumes.
Next, use a vacuum cleaner to remove any loose soot or smoke particles. If you’re dealing with dry soot, you can use a dry cleaning sponge. For oily soot, you may need to use a solvent-based cleaner.
If the soot or smoke has penetrated deep into porous materials, such as wood, drywall, or fabric, you may need to use a more aggressive cleaning method. This may include sanding, chemical stripping, or steam cleaning.
The Science of Smoke and Soot Cleanup
https://www.servpro.com/smoke-soot-cleanup
https://www.angieslist.com/articles/guide-smoke-and-soot-damage-restoration.htm
https://www.doityourself.com/stry/3-steps-to-clean-soot-and-smoke-damage