Fire Damage ...

Effective, rapid action is essential in fire and smoke damage restoration. Even when the fire is out, the damage continues.

Much of the material found in furniture and flooring is synthetic. When burned, synthetics create a variety of complex chemical reactions. After only a few days, these items go from cleanable to unsalvageable.

The professionals of ServiceMaster Clean are experts in understanding the chemical combinations that can effectively clean and salvage belongings. They can even remove soot from at-risk items such as brass, aluminum, chrome, marble, tile, and porcelain as well as fabrics in upholstery and carpets, thus helping to avoid additional expenses.

What to Do if You Have Smoke and/or Fire Damage

Due to the instability of any chemicals on post-fire contents, any efforts made by the homeowner to mitigate or clean up damage prior to the arrival of professionals may increase damage to the contents and result in unsalvagable items. Please use extreem caution when applying these tips. To keep costs and damage to a minium call ServiceMaster of Portland immediately.

• Blow off or brush-vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery, drapes, and carpets.
• Wipe the leaves of houseplants to remove smoke residue.
• Clean Formica and chrome fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom to prevent permanent tarnishing.
• Cover carpeted traffic areas with towels or old linens to prevent additional soiling.

Home Fire

• If electrical service is off, clean out your freezer and refrigerator. Leave the doors propped open or place charcoal in the unit.
• Send clothing with heavy smoke damage to a qualified professional dry cleaner who specializes in smoke damage.
• Discard open food packages. The food could be contaminated.
• Wipe residue from porcelain bath fixtures to prevent etching.
• Change the air filter on your furnace if it uses forced hot air.
• Tape cheesecloth over intake and outlet air registers to capture any loose soot in the air. This is even more effective if the cheesecloth is damp.
• If the outside temperature is above 60 degrees, air out the house to reduce smoke odor.

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