When Dinner Turns Into Smoke Damage

It happens to the best of us: a cooking attempt goes sideways and a small kitchen fire breaks out. Even when you put the flames out quickly, you can be left with significant smoke damage on cabinets, walls, cupboards, and ceilings. Here’s how to handle it.

Cleaning Smoke Damage Is Not Easy

Smoke and soot are among the most stubborn cleaning challenges there are. Smoke finds its way onto walls, ceilings, and counters — and even if you remove the visible staining, a lingering burnt odor often remains throughout the home.

Home Remedies for Smoke Damage

If you’re dealing with minor smoke damage, start here:

• Ventilate. Turn on fans and vents and open windows throughout the house.
• Document. If the damage is significant, photograph and video everything before cleaning, then contact your insurance company.
• Assess. Decide what you can clean yourself versus what needs a professional.
• Toss exposed food. Discard any open food that was exposed to smoke.
• Know your surfaces. Smooth, shiny surfaces clean up best. Flat-painted walls may need repainting, and wallpaper often has to be replaced.

A Note on DIY Cleaning

Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is one of the more effective cleaners for smoke residue — dissolve about one tablespoon per gallon of warm water and wear rubber gloves, as TSP irritates skin. Use a sponge and avoid over-wetting the walls; too much water can damage drywall and invite mold.

Leave the Heavy Lifting to the Professionals

Some cleaning you can do yourself, but full smoke and fire restoration is usually best left to professionals — and your homeowner’s policy may cover it. Our team handles smoke and soot removal, odor elimination, and full reconstruction.

When a DIY dinner goes wrong, Doan Restoration of Michigan has your back, 24/7. Call (586) 842-8142 or learn about our fire damage restoration.