Q&A for How to Clean Smoke Damage

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  • Question
    What gets rid of the smell of smoke?
    Chris Willatt
    House Cleaning Professional
    Chris Willatt is a House Cleaning Professional based in Denver, Colorado. Chris is the owner of Alpine Maids, a cleaning agency that he founded in 2015. Chris is on a mission to elevate what it means to be a cleaning professional and has built up Alpine Maids with that goal in mind. Chris has been featured in USA Today, Forbes, and Readers Digest. Alpine Maids received Angie's List Super Service Award for three years in a row from 2016-2018. They were also awarded Colorado's "Top Rated Local House Cleaning" Award in 2018 and were featured on the Inc. 5000 Company List.
    House Cleaning Professional
    Expert Answer
    While you're going to start by cleaning soot and smoke with soap and water or an all-purpose cleaner, that won't always get rid of the smell. I recommend trying something stronger and more up to the task, like an enzyme treatment, which is a natural, biologically-activated product that will eat away at the remaining residue.
  • Question
    How to clean smoke damage from dishes?
    Mark Spelman
    Construction Professional
    Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.
    Construction Professional
    Expert Answer
    To clean smoke damage from dishes, try using a cleaner that contains bleach.
  • Question
    How do I remove smoke and residue from brass?
    Mark Spelman
    Construction Professional
    Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.
    Construction Professional
    Expert Answer
    To remove smoke, residue, or other imperfections from brass, I recommend using brass polish.
  • Question
    Is there a special way to clean smoke damaged porcelain dishes and silverware?
    Community Answer
    Soak the dishes in very hot water mixed with liquid laundry bluing. Bluing can be found in the dish washing area of your local grocery or hardware store.
  • Question
    Will vinegar and water be safe for cleaning ceramic tile floor after minor kitchen fire?
    Community Answer
    It depends. As long as there is no calcium carbonate component (ie: limestone, chalk, marble, travertine, tufa, etc.), you should be fine. safe. Any calcium and calcium carbonate-based materials dissolve when they come in contact with acids, including vinegar.
  • Question
    How do I clean my oven after a fire inside the oven?
    Community Answer
    If your oven is badly burned, you may have to scrape the burn off, but that can chip the oven wall. Otherwise, scrub the burn and ashes off.
  • Question
    What can I use to clean the sheen and haze from glass windows?
    Community Answer
    Use a 3:1 mixture of vinegar and water (3 parts vinegar, 1 part water). Mix it together in a spray bottle. Spray it on and use a paper towel to wipe it off. The smell of vinegar will dissipate.
  • Question
    Would smoke damage a concrete block wall?
    Community Answer
    Over a few 100 years of constant exposure, yes, also if the smoke is hot, or if it has nowhere to go and is stuck touching the concrete. Other than that it will just leave smoky marks that can be washed away.
  • Question
    What chemical can I use to clean my kitchen wall and cabinets after a minor fire happened?
    Community Answer
    Mr. Muscle will do the trick. Spray it directly on the smoke damaged area, leave it for about 15 seconds, then wipe it off.
  • Question
    What can I use to clean smoke stains from outside the cooker?
    Community Answer
    Try bleach, it is very effective. If you don't want to use bleach, Windex is a good alternative.
  • Question
    Do all surfaces need to be cleaned with soap and water after a propane stove fire or will Febreze do the job?
    Community Answer
    Clean with soap and water for a more long lasting effect. You could use Febreze, but it'd wear off real quick.
  • Question
    There was a fire at my house and the main floor suffered water and smoke damage. The insurance company wants me to have all the drywall replaced even though it is only ten years old. Is that really necessary?
    Community Answer
    Yes, if the insurance company assessor has determined this is needed, then you can be assured that the drywall has been ruined. Be pleased that they've done the right thing by pointing out a defect that could harm your health and well-being.
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