Smoke, Soot, and Odor Removal

4/6/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO utilizes several techniques to remove odor from properties. In our line of work many times we are referring to odors remaining from smoke or soot damage. The first step to odor mitigation, is cleaning or removing the source. In the instance of a fire loss, it would mean removing charred structural materials, and cleaning soot and smoke from surfaces.

Often done as a last step, technicians may choose one of several options to remove offensive odors from your property. While many times people first think of fire odors coming from a fire that happened to your own property, smoke odor can also be caused from fires happening at another property nearby or wild fires. Whether the source of the odor inside your home is from outside or inside, experts are trained to safely identify the origin of the problem and eliminate any lingering odors. Here are three techniques that are commonly used by professionals to remove smoke odor.

1. Air Filtration Devices
   Air filtration devices work by circulating the air through a powerful HEPA filter. These filters are an excellent choice for smoke cleaning because they remove 99.97% of particulates from the air. As the particles get trapped, so do the molecules causing the smoke odor.
2. Ozone Machines
   Ozone generators are especially effective with protein-based smoke that is difficult to neutralize. Because these machines release additional ozone into the air, it is not safe to enter the home while this process is taking place. Your smoke damage professional will let you know when it is safe to reenter your residence.
3. Thermal Foggers
   Thermal fogging uses a petroleum-based fragrance to neutralize odors. Smoke from a fire can reach into tiny crevices. Since thermal foggers produce a fine mist in the form of a fog, they can reach just about anywhere odors could be hiding, including inside drawers, closets, or carpet fibers. Once the fog makes contact with the molecule causing the smoke smell, it absorbs it.

With access to special training, knowledge, and nearly 30 years’ experience, calling in a professional like SERVPRO Broome County, Tompkins & Tioga Counties, Elmira/ Chemung County & Watkins Glen/ Schuyler County will be the best choice for guidance on how to handle fire, soot, or smoke odor related issues to your property.