Restoring Fire Damaged Curtains

3/3/2021 (Permalink)

The structure of both homes and commercial buildings, as well as the objects and belongings that they house, are put at serious risk during a fire. Therefore, it is pertinent that actions are taken to prevent fire damage and, in the event that a fire ignites, the cleanup process is initiated as soon as possible. When it comes to the cleanup process, it is likely that you’ve seen guides detailing methods of cleaning fire-damaged surfaces. You’re more unlikely to find those explaining how to clean fire-damaged textiles and fabrics, such as curtains and draperies, which are extremely flammable and therefore more susceptible to damage during a fire. You may be wondering: What should I do if I discover that my curtains have been damaged in a fire? On the bright side, you don’t need to immediately rush them to the garbage. They will likely require a bit of cleaning, but they can be salvaged. Keep reading to learn how to take care of your fire damaged curtains.

How to Care for Fire-Damaged Curtains

The destruction of a fire can leave behind two different varieties of fire damage, which include soot damage and smoke damage. It is possible that your curtains endured either one or both of these types of damage during the fire. Before the cleaning process begins, it is important to understand that each requires its own, specific cleaning procedure.

Soot Damage

When curtains are inflicted with soot damage, particles of soot, which are oil-based, infiltrate the fabric of the curtains. If these soot particles are not removed quickly, your curtains can become stained and undergo significant damage that is difficult to remove. Once the soot particles are gone, the cleaning process can begin. While you have a multitude of cleaning options, know that SERVPRO provides drapery cleaning services that can effectively cleanse your curtains of any remaining fire damage and, with the help of our specialized equipment, restore them to their preloss condition.

Smoke Damage

Like soot damage, immediate action is also necessary when it comes to smoke damage, as eliminating the odor that accompanies smoke takes precedence over all other steps of the cleaning process. Over time, the smoke odor can embed itself into the fabric and cause additional damage. For a quick and efficient smoke odor removal, look no further than SERVPRO. Your curtains can be salvaged with our trustworthy odor removal and deodorization treatments. Don’t forget that we also offer professional Drapes and Blinds Services that can handle the rest of the cleaning process for your curtains following the smoke odor removal.

Preventing Additional Fire Damage

In order to avoid additional fire damage during the cleanup process, be sure to be aware of actions of occurrences that could put your home or business at an increased risk. Touching fire damaged curtains without gloves is not advised. It is also important to acknowledge that curtains can oftentimes become saturated with water during the fire extinguishing process, which increases the threat of mold growth. However, you can reduce this risk by making sure that wet curtains are dried as soon as possible. Another beneficial, preventative measure is facilitating air circulation in your home or business, which can be achieved by opening windows. Additionally, if you are on the market to purchase new curtains, take into consideration the idea of investing in fire-resistant curtains, which may prove helpful in decreasing the chances that your curtains sustain damage during a future fire. It is crucial to never underestimate the importance of fire safety. Be sure to practice fire safety in your home or business and regularly replace the batteries in your smoke detectors.

Got Fire Damage? Protect Your Belongings with SERVPRO

SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East is standing by in the event that your home or commercial business is impacted by a fire. We offer an array of fire damage restoration services as well as contents restoration services that will help your home or business and its contents make a full recovery after a destructive fire. For professional restoration services that will protect your curtains and other belongings, call SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East at (717) 510-6779 today. To learn more about our services, visit our Your Belongings and Fire Damage page.