How Does Smoke Damage Affect Your Home?

The type of the fire and it’s temperature will cause different variations of smoke damage throughout your home. Smoke damage affects various items and materials in different ways. Smoke odor is one of the greatest concerns when it comes to smoke damage because the odor can linger for quite some time. Since smoke particles are so fine, they are able to seep into small cracks and crevices and settle. It is easy for these small areas to go undetected, allowing the smell to linger until it is properly addressed.

Common Types of Smoke Damage

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring easily absorbs smoke particles because it is a porous material. Smoke particles become deeply embedded into hardwood flooring, making smoke damage extremely difficult to remove. Depending on the amount of smoke damage, mopping and deodorizing the hardwood flooring can be sufficient. If there is significant smoke damage the hardwood flooring may need to be refinished or even replaced. If your home has been affected by smoke damage in Raleigh, NC, contact Carolina Restoration Services.

Wooden Furnishings

Wooden furnishings, similar to hardwood flooring, is made of porous material that can be tough to clean of smoke damage. Many wooden furnishings are finished with a stain or varnish. Using certain cleaning products or cleaning methods will strip the furnishings it’s stain, so it is important to clean these items using the correct cleaning agent. If you are uncertain on how to clean your wooden furnishings, contact Carolina Restoration Services.

Curtains and Upholstery

Smoke particles will settle and become embedded into curtains and other upholstery. You will need to use special tools and deodorizing methods to remove smoke damage and odor from these items. Contact a professional before trying to remove smoke particles from curtains and upholstery on your own. Using vacuums and other household items to attempt to remove smoke damage worsen the damage by pushing the particles even further into the material.

Clothing and Bedding

Clothing and bedding, even those those that are placed in an enclosed drawer or closet, can be affected by smoke damage. Cloth materials absorb lingering smoke odor resulting in potential smoke damage if not addressed correctly. To eliminate odor, smoke damage and residue must be completely removed. If the smoke damage is light, washing cloth items may be sufficient. If the smoke damage is severe, professional cleaning methods and deodorizers may be necessary.

Metals

If not addressed quickly, smoke damage can cause items made of metal, such as kitchen appliances, to corrode and rust. To prevent permanent damage, wipe down metal surfaces with cooking oil.