Smoke damage refers to any physical or structural damage that is caused specifically by smoke, and not fire. Smoke can coat affected surfaces and materials with soot and other residue and leave behind foul, persistent odors. Smoke and soot particles can damage porous materials and erode other materials like metal if the cleaning is not done quickly by professionals. It also takes professional deodorization processes to remove the burnt smell left behind by smoke as odor particles get absorbed and trapped within porous materials.
The following are the four common types of smoke damage:
• Wet smoke: Wet smoke is smoke from low-heat, smoldering flames and is usually from burnt rubber or plastic. This type of smoke gives off thick plumes with a burnt plastic smell, and it may be greasy. Without quick cleaning, wet smoke can rust or corrode metal.
• Protein smoke: This is smoke from burnt organic matter and it is mostly invisible as it does not have dark colored plumes or leave stains or smears on your walls. Protein smoke can cause discoloration of painted surfaces and leave a pungent odor.
• Fuel smoke: Fuel smoke is smoke from burning fuels such as oil or petroleum. This type of smoke is more likely to occur within a garage or warehouse that uses these materials than within a home. Fuel smoke has a thick, sticky residue likely to cause permanent damage and is the most foul-smelling type of smoke.
• Dry smoke: Dry smoke is smoke from high-temperature fires that burn wood and paper, making this a very common type of smoke to affect homes. This type of smoke leaves soot and other powdery residue that can easily spread throughout the property. While soot is easier to clean than oily smoke residues, it can get into areas that are tougher to clean and can cause serious health issues for those who are exposed.

Smoke spreads far beyond the areas affected by the fire and can cause damage to any type of materials within your home or building. It is important to know what smoke damage looks like so you can respond quickly and help prevent permanent damage.
The following are the main signs of smoke damage:
• Discoloration: Shortly after a fire, you may notice your walls, ceilings, or other surfaces starting to discolor. Smoke damaged walls might turn yellow or brown. Plastic materials and appliances may become discolored as well.
• Soot stains: Soot is the black residue left from burned materials. It can cling to walls, ceilings, and other surfaces, leaving dark, sometimes greasy, stains.
• Metal corrosion: Prolonged exposure to smoke can cause metal fixtures to corrode or tarnish.
• Peeling or bubbling wallpaper or paint: The heat from a fire can cause wallpaper or paint to bubble or peel. Smoke can exacerbate this effect.
• Visible residue on surfaces and upholstery: Smoke can leave a film or residue on surfaces, which can be hard to clean. This is especially true for smoke damaged furniture and fabrics.
• Dark stains around vents: Smoke damage can also appear as dark stains around air vents or outlets, indicating that smoke has permeated your home’s ventilation system.
If you notice any of these signs of smoke damage in your home or building, immediate restoration is required. Call RestorationMaster at (888) 915-7197 immediately to get in touch with a local smoke damage restoration expert.

The cost of smoke damage cleanup will vary depending on the extent of the damage. On average, the cleanup may be between $200 and $1000, but may exceed this if there is an extensive amount of damage to clothing, furniture, carpeting, and other fabrics and textiles that may be difficult to clean.
Soot removal and the remediation of oily residue from the smoke can cost between $1400 and $4700 and deodorization to remove smoke odors can be between $600 and $2000.

Smoke odors are persistent and difficult to get rid of because the odor particles get absorbed into porous building materials, furnishings, and air spaces. The best way to have smoke odors removed is to call a professional that can use advanced deodorization processes. You can also help reduce smoke odors with these tips:
• Vinegar: Wiping down floors, walls, and furniture with white vinegar can help reduce the smoke odors. If there is an odor in the air, place several bowls of vinegar around the area and leave them for several days.
• Baking soda: Baking soda naturally absorbs odors and can help remove lingering smoke odors. You can sprinkle baking soda liberally over furniture, carpeting, and other affected materials and vacuum it up after several days. You can also place bowls of baking soda around affected areas to absorb the odors.
• Activated charcoal: Activated charcoal is a natural odor absorber that can be used in powdered form to help eliminate smoke odors. Place bowls of the activated charcoal around your property to absorb the odors.
• Fresh air: Allowing fresh air in by opening doors and windows can help the odor dissipate faster.
• Ozone generators: Ozone generators can be used to reduce smoke odors, but they are expensive machines. They may also be ineffective for removing odors that have been absorbed into carpeting, furnishings, drapes, and other porous materials.

Smoke from fires contains carbon monoxide and small particles which can cause a number of health effects. Those exposed to smoke may experience nausea and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat immediately upon exposure. Inhaling carbon monoxide can cause headaches and aggravate heart conditions because it decreases oxygen within the body. Inhaling fine smoke particles can cause shortness of breath and lung irritation, and it can worsen conditions like asthma and heart disease.
The symptoms of smoke exposure are likely to improve within a few days after exposure stops.