How Do I Remove Oily Soils and Smokes from Walls or Ceilings?

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot are difficult to remove. SERVPRO knows how to restore your home. Call us today!

SERVPRO Fire Restoration Technicians Have a Proven Track Record in Returning Mt. Airy Homes to a Pre-loss Condition after Fire

What causes oily soil deposits from a fire?

A housefire in your Mt. Airy home releases all kinds of toxins and carcinogens into the house. When these toxic smokes come into contact with colder surfaces, they deposit smoke residues onto that surface. These smoke residues may be dry or wet. Synthetic materials like varnishes, plastics, or other chemical compositions usually lead to oily soil deposits, which can be tough to remove. Oil-based stains are hydrophobic, meaning that they repel water molecules. The hydrophobic nature of wet smokes can make cleaning them a challenge as homeowners risk spreading soils further around without effectively removing them. SERVPRO recommends that you use trained-experts to deal with wet smoke on walls and ceilings.

What solvents do I need for removing wet smoke?

Oil-based solvents can bond with wet smoke and are therefore useful for fire restoration in your Mt. Airy home. However, some solvents can be abrasive and damage paintwork or other surfaces. A household item that can be effective against oily smoke deposits is detergent. While detergents are water-based, detergent molecules can break down oils and create an emulsion. Emulsifying soils this way allows many wet-smokes to be rinsed away using water and frequently causes less abrasive damage to surfaces, walls, and ceilings. Detergent cleaning, while useful, can be more time-consuming than resorting to solvents. SERVPRO technicians have a proven track record in deciding the best cleaning method for your home after a fire emergency that prioritizes both time-efficiency and cost.

How can I ensure I use solvents safely?

• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) with goggles, gloves, and respirators
• Only use in a well-ventilated space
• Shutoff heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems to prevent spreading solvent vapors

Stubborn soots and wet-smokes are challenging to remove without the correct knowledge of when to apply solvents or detergents. Contact SERVPRO of Frederick County at (301) 662-1747. 

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