Kona Smoke Damage Cleanup: Dos & Don’ts

The effects of fire damage are well-known across Hawaii. The raised awareness has made home and business owners across the Islands more prepared for the devastating toll a fire brings. What sometimes gets overlooked, though, is the damage that smoke can also cause. Smoke damage cleanup requires careful attention to ensure effective and safe restoration. To raise even more awareness, we have put together this list of smoke damage cleanup dos and don’ts if your property in Kona suffers from fire and smoke damage:

The Dos of Smoke Damage Cleanup

• Prioritize Safety: Put safety first. Before entering, make sure the building is physically and structurally solid and put on the proper safety gear such as goggles, gloves, and masks.
• Create Ventilation: To allow fresh air to enter and move around the space, open doors and windows. You can also use dehumidifiers and fans to help move air around and remove excess moisture. 
• Remove Residue: To get rid of soot and smoke residue, all affected surfaces need to be cleaned with a proper detergent/cleaning solution. To prevent residue from spreading, fresh cloths or sponges should be used and replaced often. 
• Clean Exposed Fabrics: All clothing, drapes, and any other fabrics impacted by smoke should be laundered or dry cleaned. To help remove the hard smoke smells from fabrics, specialized cleaning agents and techniques may be required. Professional smoke damage cleanup experts can help with this.
• Clean HVAC Systems: Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems can spread smoke and soot residue throughout your entire property following smoke damage, so you need to have the entire HVAC system professionally cleaned. 
• Inspect Electronics: Smoke residue can cause damage to components of electronic devices, so be sure to inspect them carefully before attempting to use them. To be safe, you should have them and your entire electrical system inspected by a professional.
• Consult Smoke Damage Cleanup Professionals: For extensive smoke damage, you need to consult with a professional restoration company that has experience in smoke damage cleanup. To ensure that all the above steps are done properly, effectively, efficiently, and safely, let the professionals handle smoke damage cleanup for you. 

The Don’ts of Smoke Damage Cleanup

• Use Water on Electronics: Avoid using water-based cleaning methods on electrical appliances or outlets. Water and electricity can be a deadly combination. 
• Use Harsh Chemicals: Stay away from harsh chemicals or cleaners, as they can interact with smoke and soot residue and actually worsen the damage done to different surfaces in your home. 
• Delay Cleaning: Smoke residue can become more difficult to remove over time and can result in further damage when not addressed right away so do not delay smoke damage cleanup.
• Use Vacuums: Avoid using standard vacuum cleaners without HEPA filters since they can actually spread smoke particles and odors further rather than clean them up. Professional restoration technicians have equipment designed to clean up smoke.
• Overlook Hidden Areas: Remember to check in hidden or less accessible areas that may need smoke damage cleanup. Common missed places are behind appliances, inside cabinets, and under furniture. 
• Assume DIY Smoke Damage Cleanup is Sufficient: Do not assume that DIY smoke damage cleanup methods are sufficient, especially for cases of extensive smoke damage.

Smoke Damage Cleanup - Kona

There is a lot that goes into smoke damage cleanup, so the best practice for your Kona property is to always call True North Restoration of Hawaii for professional assistance with smoke damage cleanup.