Fire Job – Odor Removal
We have recently taken on a fire job and although we have removed all of the damage material and sprayed entire unit with shellac we still have a strong smoke odor. We still have to wipe down the kitchen cabinets and porceline fixtures before we bring the ozone machine in. Any ideas what to use to wipe down these cabinets and fixtures to get rid of the odor? I would appreciate any advise I can get.
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I've heard some of the new citrus based cleaners work well with smoke odors, but don't have any specifics.
"Law reflects but in no sense determines the moral worth of a society. The values of a reasonably just society will reflect themselves in a reasonably just law. The better the society, the less law there will be. In Heaven, there will be no law, and the lion shall lie down with the lamb. The values of an unjust society will reflect themselves in an unjust law. The worse the society, the more law there will be, In Hell, there will be nothing but law, and due process will be meticulously observed." Grant Gilmore "Ages of American Law"
Just a caution on the citrus based cleaners .
While listed as non-toxic they can be dangerous if over exposure to the fumes occurs. I admittedly didn't take all the precautions needed, but the guidelines are somewhat misleadingto say the least. If you can smell the fumes you may be placing yourself in danger.
I developed severe asthma and permanent lung damage from using them in an inadequately ventilated area two winters ago.
In areas with a high ozone content the ozone combines with the active ingredient in the cleaner and becomes formaldehyde.
Thanks!
"Law reflects but in no sense determines the moral worth of a society. The values of a reasonably just society will reflect themselves in a reasonably just law. The better the society, the less law there will be. In Heaven, there will be no law, and the lion shall lie down with the lamb. The values of an unjust society will reflect themselves in an unjust law. The worse the society, the more law there will be, In Hell, there will be nothing but law, and due process will be meticulously observed." Grant Gilmore "Ages of American Law"
know this sounds crazy, but I have heard that if you cut up apples and leave them till they dry out and that they will absorb the smell. Don't know how many apples it will take.
Anywhere near the Sandusky Bay area BTW?
Did some fire repair work years ago. When the cleaners came in they used a product called TSP. I think it was available in the grocerie store. Try a test place on the finnished wood.
here's the company you want to deal with. you can call and talk to their tech support and their customer support is awesome.
http://www.jon-doninc.com/catalog/default.php?cPath=82_2478
http://www.jon-doninc.com/catalog/default.php?cPath=82_2472&osCsid=0a690412c8ce1c1d1cd3bce17bfd2c09
This company manufactures the products that we used when I worked for a Fire/Smoke/Water restoration contractor
http://www.unsmoke.com/
If you can't find their stuff in your area any detergent like simple green should work. The source of the fire (food,plastic,wood,oil) will have some effect on what type of cleaner that works best.
I worked for a fire restoration company several years back. We used speacialty sponges to remove the remaining residue/odor. The sponges were a little bigger than a brick and for walls, etc. we would cut them through the middle (from left to right) and then wipe down all surfaces. These really did the trick, these and ozone machines placed in each room overnight would eliminate all odors 100%. I can't remember a brand or even where we purchased them. They were sold and wrapped individually and were rather expensive.
Just looked online and I might have found the product ->
UNSPONGE¯ 632 & 832
Unsponges¯ are made from a blend of natural and synthetic rubber for all cleaning uses. Unsponges¯ are used dry and are especially effective in removing smoke from walls, ceilings and other surfaces following smoke or fire damage. An exclusive odor counteractant is built into the rubber for simultaneous cleaning and deodorizing. Durable Unsponges¯ may be washed and reused again and again. A versatile and handy tool for the restoration professional.
This sounds just like what we used. Hope this helps.
Ryan
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