Each year thousands of homeowners are displaced by wildfires or fires stemming from the home. While fires can be very damaging to homes, there is another type of fire damage that homeowners need to look out for. Smoke damage is an underlying part of fire damage that homeowners need to protect themselves from. We’ll be going over how to protect yourself from smoke damage!
What Is Smoke Damage
Smoke damage is the result of soot and other particles that are left behind after a fire. These particles can penetrate into porous materials, like wood and drywall, and cause staining and odors. Smoke damage can also discolor metal surfaces and damage electronics.
If your home has been damaged by smoke, it’s important to clean it as soon as possible to prevent further damage. You should start by ventilating the affected area and removing any soot with a vacuum cleaner or damp cloth. Once you’ve removed the soot, you can begin cleaning with soap and water. If the smoke damage is extensive, you may need to hire a professional smoke damage cleaning company for help.
What To Throw Away After Smoke Damage
If your house has been damaged by smoke, you’ll need to do a deep clean to get rid of the soot and smells. But what exactly should you throw away?
Here’s a guide of what to toss after smoke damage:
– Any food that was open or exposed to the smoke. This includes packaged food that was in the affected area – even if it’s unopened, the smoky smell could have permeated the packaging.
– Any cosmetics or personal care products that were exposed to the smoke. This includes makeup, shampoo, skincare products, etc.
– Any medications or supplements that were exposed to the smoke.
– Linens and clothing that were in the affected area. This includes towels, bedding, clothes, etc.
As the world slowly starts to rebuild after the devastation of the recent string of natural disasters, many people are left to deal with the aftermath of smoke damage in their homes. While the cleanup process can be daunting, knowing what to throw away and what to keep can help make it a little bit easier. Consulting with a fire damage repair company can also help restoring your home.
Can Fire Smoke Damage Your Lungs
Smoke damage to your lungs can have long-term effects and should be taken seriously. If you have been exposed to smoke, it is important to seek medical attention and get checked out by a doctor.
Smoke inhalation can cause a number of respiratory problems, including bronchitis, pneumonia, and COPD. Smoke damage to your lungs can also make it difficult to breathe and can lead to coughing and wheezing.
If you have been exposed to smoke, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. The sooner you are treated, the better your chances are of avoiding long-term lung damage.
The American Lung Association reports that exposure to smoke from fires can irritate and inflame the airways and cause coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing. Inhaling large amounts of smoke can overwhelm the lungs and cause them to fill with fluid, leading to respiratory failure.
How To Get Rid Of Smoke Damage
If you’ve ever had a house fire, you know that the smoke damage can be extensive. Here are a few tips on how to get rid of smoke damage.
1. Start by ventilating the area. Open windows and doors to let fresh air in. If the weather is nice, set up some fans to help circulate the air.
2. Wash all of the walls and ceilings with a mild soap or detergent. This will help remove any soot or other residues that have built up on surfaces.
3. Clean all of the floors, carpets, and furniture as well. You may need to use special cleaners for these items, depending on the fabrics involved.
4. Once everything has been cleaned, you can start working on removing any lingering smells.
If you need help with fire and smoke damage repair, then contact a restoration company that specializes in both repairs. They’re able to get the job done right while protecting your home from any contaminants.