If you're lucky enough to survive the Los Angeles wildfires with your home still intact, you may be facing another problem: odor.
Anyone who has ever tried to hide the smell of cigarette smoke from their parents probably remembers that cigarette smoke is difficult to hide and difficult to remove. Here are expert answers to all your smoke removal questions.
Wildfires produce a variety of pollutants, including toxic particulate matter, that can lodge deep in the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing respiratory problems, cancer and other health problems.
As Los Angeles fires have engulfed thousands of buildings this year, the smoke contains a variety of harmful particles from burning homes, cars, furniture, paint and belongings. While it's sometimes easy to see a pile of toxic ash on your window, often the wind-blown ash particles are too small See with the naked eye.
"A lot of these buildings contain asbestos and lead," said Scott Huml, who oversees operations. Tactical Mitigation Servicesis a Westlake Village-based business that cleans up homes after disasters. "Volatile organic compounds in ash are dangerous."
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are the primary cause of sticky odors that linger long after a fire is extinguished. and based on Environmental Science Research Cooperative Institutethey may settle on walls and ceilings and may continue to be released for weeks or months.
Once you are told you can return home, start assessing your surroundings. Take photos of any ash, soot or visible damage. Look for any open windows and inspect the attic for ash and soot that could become trapped in the insulation or enter the heating and cooling system.
"My philosophy is that if you see any high-level physical evidence, then I would also assume that there are unseen toxins and dangers out there as well," says Noah Greenspan, MD, MD, MD, a cardiovascular and pulmonary clinical specialist in New York City. said the doctor. Center for Lung Health and Rehabilitation. "But if you go home and don't smell anything, you can't assume there's nothing there because a lot of the toxins we're talking about are odorless and colorless."
Make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working properly, and be sure to replace or clean the filters in your heating and cooling systems to protect yourself from the unseen stuff.
If you can afford it, you might Rent an air scrubber A day of efficient air purification. For long-term repairs, you can purchase high-efficiency granular air, or high efficiency air filter , A filter-type air purifier that removes tiny particles as small as 0.3 microns in size. If you can't afford a high-quality purifier, The EPA has instructions for making a DIY version Use box fans and MERV 13 air filters.
When the outside air is clean enough - now, it possible no yes — You can open the windows and point the fan outside.
It might be tempting to start with a wet mop, but some cleaning and damage repair experts warn against it.
“One of the biggest mistakes you can make is using a wet cleaning product on a flat paint surface, which ends up pushing soot into the paint,” says Robert Bowles, director of service line development at Servpro. "What we do in this industry is use specialized rubber sponges. They're designed to pick up and capture soot in a specific way that doesn't damage the surface. There's no water involved."
Karie Miller, owner of Green For You Cleaning, an eco-friendly cleaning service in the South Bay, agrees: "If you start with water, you're just going to create mud."
Instead, she recommends using dry microfiber to wipe down every wall and dust every crevice. Find a duster extender or ladder to ensure you can reach the ceiling and the tops of cabinets and refrigerator. "You have to put on gloves, lift things up and clean them up," she said.
After the first time without water, Miller recommends going back with a damp towel and mild detergent. When you start vacuuming, she says to make sure to use one with a HEPA filter, and don't forget to vacuum the furniture, too. Only move to wet mopping after vacuuming.
If odors persist after deep cleaning, Miller recommends placing bowls of baking soda or bags of charcoal to absorb odors. For cushions and furniture, she says, you might consider sprinkling baking soda on the fabric. Let it sit, then vacuum up the powder so you don't leave a mess.
Likewise, Huml recommends purchasing scent blocks, e.g. Sentinel Recipe 522absorb odor. Cleaning experts warn against using candles or air fresheners to mask odors rather than eliminate the root cause.
Don't forget to clean blankets and curtains, which may need professional cleaning depending on the fabric and the intensity of the odor. For materials that can be put in a washing machine, Miller said Add white vinegar Can help remove bad odors. (But don’t mix vinegar with bleach or any cleaning product that contains bleach, because The mixture produces toxic chlorine gas.)
Another thing that is easy to forget is the filter in your vacuum cleaner, which you should clean or replace. Be sure to check bathroom vents, where dust and particulate matter can accumulate.
There's no agreed-upon rule of thumb when it comes to calling professional cleaners or damage repair services, but your proximity to the flames and length of exposure can be key.
"If the house next door is on fire, you may need a professional," Miller says, even if your home doesn't have any visible damage.
Another indicator that you may need outside help is if there is visible ash or soot. But because airborne particles from fires are often invisible, Miller and other cleaning professionals often prefer to seek professional help if they can afford it. Your homeowners or renters insurance may help cover the cost.
Hummel said that when dealing with the aftermath of a wildfire, he first decontaminated the attic, ripped out soot-infested insulation and sprayed odor sealant on the porous wood. He then runs a HEPA vacuum on all surfaces (even the ceiling) and uses a dry chemical sponge to suck out particles and ash from the drywall before doing another round of HEPA vacuuming.
"All of your personal property can be wiped down with a combination of a HEPA vacuum and a microfiber cloth," he says, although some fabrics may need a trip to the dry cleaner to be repaired.
Throughout the process, Huml also uses a variety of machines to clean the air, including air scrubbers, deodorizing hydrogen and oxygen generators, and negative air machines that clean the air and push it outside.
This can vary - a lot. Hummel said the cheapest jobs he's had are those that only require setting up equipment and letting it run for a few days, which cost about $5,000 to $10,000. The most expensive jobs, on larger homes with visible soot or damage, can easily reach six-figure prices.
"If I knew the answer, I would be a millionaire," Miller said. "It depends on how close you are and how diligent you are."