There are three main types of smoke and fire residue that can be left behind by fire damage. Go through this process in order to understand the classifications.
1. Protein Residue
This is left behind by burned meat, fish or beans. The residue is greasy and sticks to most surfaces, leaving a yellow-brown stain.
How to clean?
- use a water-based cleaning solution
- be sure that the surface won't be damaged by water
2. Natural Substance Residue
This is left behind by burned paper or wood (ex. campfires, fireplaces, forest fires). It has a characteristic odor. The residue is grey-black with a dry, powdery texture and is relatively easy to clean and deodorize.
How to clean?
- vacuum with a bristled brush or other dry pre-conditioning technique
- followed by wet cleaning techniques or dry-chem sponge cleaning
3. Synthetic Residue
This is left behind by burned oil-based material such as plastics and fabrics (ex. carpets, furniture, toys, etc.). The residue is black, thick, heavy, and easily smeared into surfaces. There may be soot-covered webs left behind as well.
How to clean?
- vacuuming is effective if the residue has been left undisturbed on a surface
- much more work is required if the residue has been smeared into surfaces
- follow vacuuming with dry-chem sponge cleaning
