Follow this process to help you properly clean and deodorize a structure that has been affected by smoke residue.
It is essential that cleaning a structure to remove smoke residue and odor is completed in a proper manner. Do not skip around – stay in one area until complete. This also applies to any one item – finish it before moving on to the next item. This can be difficult due to the sometimes tedious nature of the work.
1. Clean and seal ducts if they have been affected
Make sure that the registers are also cleaned. If the ducts cannot be cleaned first, then cover the registers with cheese cloth so that no cross-contamination takes place.
2. Clean ceilings and light fixtures
When cleaning light fixtures, make sure to take the cover off of the fixture and thoroughly clean the fixture.
- Remove the smoke webs from the ceilings and corners using a “Webber.” This will prevent the webs from smearing.
- If the walls are washable then wash the walls with a degreaser solution.
- If the walls are not washable then they should be cleaned using a dry sponge. If the cleaning is a final clean then a new sponge should be used. If it is only a prep for paint then we can re-use the lightly used sponges.
3. Clean the walls
Make sure to pay special attention to flat areas that can accumulate contaminates (especially over doors, windows and on top of cabinets).
If the residue on the walls is heavy, several steps may be required to complete the cleaning.
- Vacuum, air wash, or use a lambs wool duster, to remove heavy accumulations from walls if required.
- Air washing is accomplished using compressed air or high velocity air movement in conjunction with a filtration system or negative air in order to remove initial heavy accumulations of residue.
- Dry sponge the walls to remove the majority of the residue.
- If a strong odor persists or if there is still remaining residue on the walls then they may need to be washed using a degreaser and water.
- Make sure not to touch the walls with your bare hands if the walls have flat paint and are not going to be painted. The oil on your hands can cause the soot to smear and permanently discolor the wall.
4. Clean wood paneling properly
If the walls are covered with paneling they should be cleaned using a mild detergent. Try not to use a degreaser for wood surfaces. After the paneling has been cleaned then re-apply a wood polish.
It is always a good idea to ask the customer if they have a special product that they wish you to use on their woodwork. If you only used a mild soap to clean the paneling then you may not have to polish the wood after it is cleaned. Check the shine on the paneling both before and after the cleaning to see if a wood (furniture) polish is necessary.
5. Clean baseboards, doors and trim
Make sure that you pay special attention to the flat surfaces. (Especially over doors. Everyone likes to check the thoroughness of our cleaning by running their hands over the tops of the doors and door surrounds.)
6. Clean the outside of the cabinets
If the cabinets are not installed under a soffit and are open on the top, make sure that the top area is cleaned. Clean the uppers first and then the lowers.
Make sure that the bottom of the upper cabinets are cleaned. Use a solution of mild general cleaning solution and water first. If this does not cut the smoke residue, then a degreaser can be used. If the degreaser dulls the finish on the cabinets, then they need to be treated with a wood polish or lemon oil.
7. Clean inside cabinets, countertops, bookshelves, etc. and replace contents
Make sure that when cleaning the inside of the cabinets that the doors and the bottoms of the shelves are addressed.
8. Clean the exterior of the appliances listed in the scope
Use a water and mild general cleaning solution for the appliances. For heavy grease, ammonia or degreaser can be used. Most all of the appliances will be cleaned as part of the structure.
9. Clean bathroom fixtures
Use general bathroom cleaner for these fixtures (Comet, Soft Scrub, Scotch Bright pads, etc.).
Even though most of the cleaning that is done in the bathrooms is not related to the residue, it needs to be thoroughly cleaned. Make sure that the tub/shower and toilet are thoroughly cleaned.
10. Clean windows
Use a window cleaner or mild general cleaning solution. Make sure to clean frame and window tracks as well. Check the scope to see if the window coverings or closet rods need to be cleaned. (Sometimes they are considered part of the structure and sometimes they are considered contents.)
11. Vacuum the carpet
The majority of the residue in the carpet can be removed by thorough vacuuming. The final item to be completed should be a professional cleaning.
12. Clean the vinyl and hard surface flooring
Use a mild detergent or a water and ammonia solution. Do not use a mop and glow product or a harsh detergent such as Spick and Span.
Check the scope to see if it calls for a wax to be applied. If the floor needs to be waxed, then the existing wax build up needs to be removed and then a new wax applied.
13. Never set cleaning containers directly on the floor, tables or other surfaces
Make sure that cleaning jugs, buckets, wet towels ando ther containers are always placed on a clean towel.
14. Make sure the job site is clean and presentable at the end of each day
- Remove all cleaning supplies and equipment or move to an inconspicuous area. Make sure that if you only have one of an item (i.e. vacuum) that it is not left on site.
- Sweep and clean the hard surface floors.
- Clean countertops and sinks.
- Vacuum the carpet.
