Fire & Smoke Cleanup Services
Smoke and soot can penetrate deep into your property's structure, affecting areas far from the fire's origin. Even a small kitchen fire can deposit acidic soot residue throughout your entire home via HVAC ductwork and natural air currents. Drip Restoration's IICRC-certified fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT) use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke residue, eliminate odors permanently, and restore surfaces throughout your property.
Different types of fires produce different types of soot and residue, each requiring specific cleaning methods. Our team is trained to identify the type of damage and apply the appropriate cleaning techniques — from dry chemical sponging for protein-based residues to wet cleaning with specialized solvents for synthetic material smoke damage.
Types of Soot & Smoke Residue
Dry Smoke Residue
From fast-burning, high-temperature fires (paper, wood). Produces a fine, powdery, dry residue that's relatively easy to clean. Can often be removed with dry sponging and HEPA vacuuming before wet cleaning.
Wet Smoke Residue
From slow-burning, smoldering fires (rubber, plastic, synthetic materials). Produces a thick, sticky, pungent residue that smears when touched. This is the most challenging type to clean and requires specialized solvents.
Protein Smoke Residue
From kitchen fires (burning food, grease). Produces an almost invisible residue that causes extreme, persistent odor and yellowing on painted surfaces. Requires enzyme-based cleaners and extensive deodorization.
Fuel/Oil Smoke Residue
From petroleum-based fires (furnace malfunctions, garage fires). Produces a thick, black, sticky residue with an extremely strong odor. Often requires aggressive cleaning methods and material replacement.
What We Clean
Walls, Ceilings & Structural Surfaces
Chemical sponge cleaning, wet cleaning with specialized solutions, and repainting when necessary. We clean every surface — including those in rooms far from the fire.
HVAC Systems & Ductwork
Smoke particles travel through your HVAC system, contaminating ductwork and depositing soot in every room. We clean and sanitize the entire HVAC system including ducts, coils, and blower components.
Personal Belongings & Contents
Clothing, books, electronics, artwork, and sentimental items are carefully cleaned using appropriate methods — ultrasonic cleaning, dry cleaning, ozone treatment, and hand cleaning.
Furniture & Upholstery
Upholstered furniture absorbs smoke deeply. We use injection extraction, ozone treatment, and specialized cleaning solutions to restore furniture when possible.
Electronics & Appliances
Soot is corrosive and conductive. Electronics exposed to smoke require professional cleaning to prevent short circuits and continued corrosion.
Kitchen Surfaces & Cabinets
Grease-laden kitchen surfaces attract and hold smoke residue. We use degreasing agents and antimicrobial treatments to clean and sanitize all kitchen surfaces.
Odor Elimination Technology
Smoke odor is caused by microscopic particles embedded in porous materials. We don't mask odors — we eliminate them at the molecular level using professional-grade technology:
Ozone Generators
Produce O₃ molecules that oxidize and destroy odor-causing compounds. Extremely effective but requires the property to be vacated during treatment.
Hydroxyl Generators
Create hydroxyl radicals that break down odor molecules. Safe for occupied spaces and can run continuously during the restoration process.
Thermal Fogging
Heated deodorizing solution creates a dry fog that penetrates the same areas smoke traveled, neutralizing odors in wall cavities, attics, and hard-to-reach spaces.
HEPA Air Scrubbing
Hospital-grade HEPA filters capture airborne soot particles and odor compounds, continuously purifying the air throughout the cleanup process.
Why Time Is Critical
Within 24 Hours
Soot begins permanently staining porous surfaces. Metal tarnishes. Quick cleaning can save most materials.
24-72 Hours
Acidic soot etches glass, chrome, and metal surfaces. Wood finishes yellow permanently. Restoration becomes significantly more difficult and costly.
After 72 Hours
Permanent damage to most porous materials. Plastics yellow irreversibly. Many items that could have been saved now require replacement.