Having a fire in your house is terrifying and heart-rending. Even after a fire is extinguished, the residual effects of high humidity, smoke and ash continue to cause deterioration of personal possessions and property and can create health hazards. The more quickly cleaning and restoration is initiated, the easier it is to minimise damage and reduce restoration costs.

Although fire and smoke cause damage that is obvious during and immediately after a fire, chemical reactions continue over days and weeks. During a fire, smoke is pushed by air pressure through a building and deposits residues on walls, floors, ceilings and other objects. Extinguishing the fire creates high humidity; the open pores of wood and other porous substances absorb odour and water.

After the fire, corrosive and acidic by-products generated by high heat and fire continue to affect structural materials, electrical equipment, appliances and other items. Within hours, grout, countertops, appliance finishes and furniture may stain, yellow or tarnish. Over time, the acidic residues of soot and ash interact with other materials causing discolouration, corrosion, pitting, staining and emission of volatile airborne particles and gasses.

Immediate treatment initiated within the first twenty-four hours by a restoration professional may mean the difference between permanent damage and restoration of salvageable possessions and property to pre-fire condition. A professional will evaluate the extent of damage, recommend treatment and identify objects that cannot be treated and must be removed.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a non-profit organisation that sets standards, monitors programs that certify cleaning and remediation technicians and provides advice to consumers about cleaning and restoration from fire, smoke and floods.

Steamy’s Cleaning and Restoration Services technicians are IICRC certified in fire and smoke damage restoration. A professional restoration technician is trained to neutralise residues, clean surfaces, perform deep cleaning on porous materials and restore stone, brick and wood whenever possible. Non-recoverable objects and materials will be removed. Salvageable surfaces will be cleaned to remove residues. Inaccessible areas will be isolated to prevent further odour and chemical contamination.

Steamy’s also has a hydroxyl generator that removes smoke odour from porous materials like upholstery, wood and clothing. This specialised machine neutralises odours and removes airborne contaminants without harm to humans and pets.