HOW TO CLEAN SMOKE DAMAGE OFF BRICKS?

1/30/2023 (Permalink)

OLD BRICK FROM FIRE DAMAGE

Fires can happen anywhere. While the cause of fires vary, every year thousands of homes, commercial properties, and industrial facilities  with the clean-up after a blaze. In the aftermath of fire, structural engineers and insurance companies will work together to determine if a property can be salvaged. In many cases, a fire restoration specialist will work with the owner to resurrect property from ashes.

Smoke will often cling to surfaces in areas where the fire was most intense or where there were high levels of heat or humidity. You may also see a few spots of discoloration on brick structure – depending on the type of material and heat exposure experienced during the fire. For example, after being exposed to extreme temperature during an fire, red brick may be duller in colour.

Soot is particularly difficult to remove because of its high levels of acidity. It is important to completely remove soot before you begin  washing or it may stain the brick surface. Here are correct materials and steps to properly clean soot and smoke damage from brick surfaces.

You will need the following supplies for cleaning process:

• Dust mask, longs sleeves, pants and gloves to avoid indigestion or getting it on your bare skin
• Vacuum is for the initial removal of soot and smoke
• Dry cleaning sponge and bucket is for washing the brick
• Commercial degreaser or dish soap and baking soda is to create the soap solution used during washing
• Power/pressure washer is for washing external brick surfaces

How to clean

1. If you are cleaning smoke damage from interior bricks, open all windows and doors in your house to create ventilation.
2. Wear mask, gloves , and proper clothing from the list above to protect yourself.
3. Use a vacuum cleaner with an attached hose to remove all loose soot.
4. Use dry cleaning sponge to remove the soot and smoke that is deeply embedded into the brick.

We understand that soot and smoke damage clean – up is often a difficult and time consuming task. Contact us SERVPRO of Ventura (805) 656 – 3911.