Can Soot-Covered Items in Olathe Get Cleaned and Reused?

5/10/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage is an unfortunate event and if it is not handled properly it can be hard to deal with. Contact SERVPRO to remediate the damage.

Using Advanced Cleaning Methods, SERVPRO Can Fully Restore Fire Loss Items for Olathe Property Owners

When SERVPRO handles a fire loss cleanup in local properties, the technicians arrive intending to save the owner from replacing as much of the structure and contents as possible. This intention gets accomplished through the use of their advanced cleaning agents and methods. The more time it takes for cleanup of smoke and soot on items, the less chance of a full recovery. 

Can Wood Furniture Get Restored From Fire Damage?

Depending on the type of finish and the amount of fire damage to furnishings in an Olathe home, solid wood furniture may have excellent restoration potential through cleaning. The techs can use wood soaps to lift away light soot residues gently. 

Soot and smoke odors penetrate unfinished wood easily, and common areas of unfinished wood are drawer bottoms, tops, and bottoms of furniture. Commonly used methods are a combination of dry cleaning sponges and denatured alcohol.

Signs Wood Furniture May Not Be Restorable

There are a few signs that wood furnishings may not have the potential for a return to its preloss condition. In some cases, exposure to high heat may not have left any visible marks on furniture  

• Heavy blistering of the surface
• Permanent dark staining 
• Cracked joints from heat exposure or water absorption

What is Semi-Refinishing?

A technique the techs employ on wood furnishings exposed to fire loss involves the process of semi-refinishing. 

• A solvent-based cleaner removes a top layer of finish
• The process is ideal for removal of light stains and watermarks
• Cleans away chalky areas on the finish left behind from moisture separating the coats of finish

SERVPRO of Olathe / Lenexa at (913) 782-4693 stands ready to help local property owners to restore their homes and contents from fire damage of any size using their advanced equipment and cleaning methods. 

Learn more about Olathe here.