Soot: The Unanticipated Nuisance of a Fire

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

What is Soot?

Soot is that powdery black substance that occurs when the fire doesn’t burn the fuel source, or in other words, it is incomplete combustion. It can stick to everything, including the HVAC system where it could then get distributed throughout the rest of your home, causing damage to even initially unaffected areas. Here are some tips on how you should combat the soot in your home, whether it be from s fire loss or simply from your fireplace.

Do:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet.
• Keep hands clean – soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork.
• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas.
• Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, the protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant.
• Wash both sides of leaves on house plants.
• Change HVAC filter but leave system off until a trained professional can check the system.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over an air register to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

Do NOT:

• Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your SERVPRO® professionals.
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting your local SERVPRO® Franchise.
• Attempt to clean any electrical appliances (i.e., TV sets, radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat, or water without first communicating to an authorized repair service.
• Consume any food or beverages that may have been close to fire, heat, or water as they may be contaminated.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures, especially if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary soot damage.
• Send garments to the dry cleaner as improper cleaning may set in smoke order.

SERVPRO® of North Augusta has the capability to make soot damage a thing of the past! Make sure your home and family are safe by giving us a call at 706-750-0200. No matter the extent of the damage, we are here to make it, “Like it never even happened. ®”