'Superficial' (?) fire damage - how to get rid of the soit/smell?

[Jamdown123]

Hi all,

I wonder whether anyone has any great ideas.

We had a small fire in our summerhouse. It was just being used to store stuff, most in cardboard boxes, some clothes in those vacuum bags that never work.

The fire outed itsekf, thankfully, surprisingly, fortuitously. But the items that were protected still smell of smoke and everything exposed has a layer of black (soot).

How can I clean this? How do I get rid of the smell?

Any knowledge would be very gratefully received!!!

Dealing with superficial fire damage can be quite a hassle, but there are some methods you can try to get rid of the smoke smell and clean up the soot.

Laundered clothes should be fine.
Soot can be greasy so clean with stuff good on grease like sugar soap then repaint.

Firstly, proper ventilation is essential to remove the lingering odor. Open up windows and use fans to circulate fresh air. For cleaning, you can start by vacuuming the soot with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter. Next, wipe down surfaces with a mixture of mild detergent and warm water, or consider using specialized cleaning products designed to remove smoke residue. Don't forget to wash any washable fabrics like clothes, linens, and curtains. For the smell, try using odor absorbers like baking soda, activated charcoal, or commercial odor-neutralizing sprays. Leave them near the affected items for a while to absorb the odor. Lastly, if you're still facing difficulties, it might be helpful to consult with professional cleaners who specialize in fire damage restoration. They have the expertise and equipment to handle such situations effectively. Best of luck with the cleaning process, and remember, with some effort, you'll be able to sell my fire damaged house with confidence!