Restoration service
Smoke and soot cleanup
Smoke and soot cleanup removes residue from walls, ceilings, contents and ductwork, then treats lingering odor. It's needed after small kitchen fires, furnace puff-backs and even nearby fires whose smoke got pulled into the house.
- Fast call-back for active leaks
- Phoenix metro
- Free to call
How the job runs
- 1Test residueThe technician identifies the smoke type and tests cleaning methods on a small area.
- 2Dry clean then wet cleanDry soot sponges and HEPA vacuums lift residue before any wet cleaning.
- 3HVAC and contentsFilters are replaced and returns cleaned; soft contents may go out for specialty cleaning.
Smoke residue behaves differently depending on what burned. Protein residue from a kitchen fire is nearly invisible but smells strongly; synthetic materials leave a sticky black soot. Each needs a different cleaning method.
The HVAC system spreads smoke through the house. Filters, returns and sometimes ducts need cleaning or odor will keep coming back.
Smoke & soot cleanup at a glance
- Common causes
- Kitchen fires, puff-backs, nearby fires
- Order of work
- Dry clean, wet clean, then deodorize
- Hidden spreader
- HVAC returns and ducts
- Painting
- Only after cleaning and sealing
Warning signs
Signs you need smoke & soot cleanup
- Webs of soot in ceiling corners
- Yellowed walls or cabinets after a kitchen fire
- Smoke smell when the AC starts
- Gray film on windows and blinds
- Discolored outlet covers and light switches
Process
What the restoration company does
- 1
Test residue
The technician identifies the smoke type and tests cleaning methods on a small area.
- 2
Dry clean then wet clean
Dry soot sponges and HEPA vacuums lift residue before any wet cleaning.
- 3
HVAC and contents
Filters are replaced and returns cleaned; soft contents may go out for specialty cleaning.
- 4
Deodorize
Odor is treated with filtration, thermal fogging or hydroxyl units after cleaning.
Cost
What affects the cost
Every loss is different, so honest pricing starts with an on-site assessment. These are the factors that move the number.
- Number of rooms and surface area
- Type of residue
- HVAC and duct cleaning
- Contents and textiles cleaning
Safe to do now
- Open windows and run fans to air out
- Replace the HVAC filter
- Launder washable fabrics separately
Stop and call if
- Soot smears when touched
- Smoke odor is in more than one room
- Walls or ceilings are visibly discolored
FAQ
Smoke & soot cleanup: common questions
Can I paint over smoke damage?
Not without cleaning and sealing first. Paint over soot doesn't bond well and odor bleeds through. Walls are cleaned and then sealed with an odor-blocking primer.
Does the AC spread smoke odor?
Yes. The return air pulls smoke into ducts and redistributes it. Keep the system off until filters and returns are cleaned.
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Water where it shouldn't be?
Shut off the water, then call. One call connects you with an independent restoration company near you.
Fast call-back for active leaks