When your home has suffered fire damage, smoke cleanup is one of the most important parts of the restoration process. However, not all smoke damage is the same, and your residential or commercial property may require specific cleaning service depending on what type of smoke residue is left over. Keep reading to learn the most common kinds of smoke residue from our experts at FP Property Restoration—as well as what our Bradenton restoration company can do to get rid of them.

The 3 Most Common Types of Smoke Residue Are:

1. Synthetic Residue: Synthetic residue is left over from fires where a significant amount of oil-based materials such as plastics and fabrics were burned. The thick black smoke produced by everything from furniture to electronics can leave smears all over your property, which may lead to a huge mess if not cleaned correctly. You should avoid touching any areas affected by synthetic smoke residue until hiring one of our restoration professionals to thoroughly vacuum and clean with a dry chemical sponge.
2. Protein Residue: Protein residue usually comes from burning food or grease, especially the kind that’s high in (you guessed it) protein. This type of smoke leaves a yellowy brown color, which is slimy to the touch and hard to remove. You may be able to get rid of some protein residue on your own, using fire-cleaning chemicals, though for severe damage you should hire a professional to scrub the affected area with a dry chem-sponge, then with a degreaser and deodorizing agent.
3. Natural Residue: Natural smoke residue is left behind by wood and paper-based products—aka products made with materials that are naturally occurring in nature. While burning these materials in a safe environment may not be acceptable, the powdery, grey and black residue they leave behind in the wake of a property fire can still be harmful can still be harmful if not thoroughly cleaned up. Fortunately, natural residue is easier to clean than protein and synthetic residues, and can usually be removed by vacuuming with a bristled brush, followed by scrubbing with a dry-chem sponge.

Don’t let a fire destroy your property! Call FP Property Restoration for emergencies 24/7 at (888) 595-1105, or contact us online to learn about post-fire repairs and more.