Content Cleaning After a Fire in East Independence

9/20/2021 (Permalink)

Our packing process ensures that all the salvageable items are properly and safely organized for our staff to come in and do content cleaning.

When completing mitigation for a fire, content cleaning is an integral piece of the process that restores sentimental items. The process of content cleaning begins with a pack-out that secures all the items from further damage. The pack-out is completed with an inventory, so our team knows what is in every box and what cleaning is needed. This is done by segregating contents by location, room area, shelf, and drawers, etc., so everything can be organized accordingly. After all the contents are packed properly the cleaning process at the shop can begin. There are six categories of cleaning principles:

• Solvent Action
  • Each solvent has its own unique ability to dissolve different substances.
• Chemical Reaction
  • In this case, an acid combines with the oxidized metallic residue, and the resulting material is rinsed away. 
• Lubrication
  • Reducing friction between the surface and smoke residue. 
• Agitation
  • Utilizing some type of physical force to suspend soot residue.
• Temperature
  • Higher temperatures speed chemical reactions, open surface pores on the finish being cleaned, and decrease drying times. 
• Dwell Time of the Solution
  • The amount of time a cleaning product is allowed to remain in contact with the contaminated surfaces.

This is then followed up with preconditioning, dry soil removal, or wet cleaning to get contents back to preloss conditions.