Methods for fire damage restoration

11/3/2023 (Permalink)

No two fires are alike; each one causes different damage based on what burned, how much oxygen was present and how hot everything burned. Even within a single fire, many various types of smoke and residue damages require multiple cleaning methods.

Restoring property in Phoenix homes after fire damage is not a quick task. SERVPRO® has decades of experience in dealing with returning homeowners to their residences as safely and rapidly as possible. We use six methods developed over those years and are backed by a nationwide support network.

Dry Cleaning is the first method we use. Much of the residue damage after a Phoenix home fire is light-to-medium, and our technicians can usually clean the residue off surfaces using dusting cloths and feather dusters. If there are particulates (pieces larger than dust), they use dry sponges or commercial vacuum cleaners.

Wet Cleaning is for medium-to-heavy residues. Our technicians use water, for the most part, to clean with cloths and sponges. If this proves insufficient, they repeat with a mild chemical cleaner.

Spray and Wipe is a method we use on materials that can be damaged by saturation with water or cleaners. Our certified technicians dampen the surface using a spray bottle and wipe it down with a white cloth. This method gives our work crews better control applying the product on upholstery and wood surfaces.

Foam Cleaning is used on fabrics to prevent shrinking and fading colors. Technicians stir up a chemical foam in a bucket and then apply it with an upholstery brush, agitating the residue on the surface. If we need to force more air into the foam, technicians use a pump-up sprayer to reduce the chance of damage. 

Abrasive Cleaning uses chemical cleaners on heavy residues with rough surfaces like stone or brick that are not easily damaged. If there are deep cuts or grooves on the surface, technicians may use scrubbing pads or even steel wool.

Immersion Cleaning is exactly that. For an item that is already saturated and has heavy residues over most of its surface, we place it in an ultrasonic tank of chemical cleaner. We then use sound waves to force bubbles of the cleaner through and across the surfaces. Depending on the item and the thickness of the residue; immersion can take from one to several hours.

Restoring property can be a lengthy process, but it is more often cheaper than replacing fire damaged items. SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix understands that there is also the sentimental factor to consider with inherited items. If you need our help in Avondale, Phoenix, and Tolleson, call us today at (623) 594-6033