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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Leave Puffback Soot Cleaning to the Professionals

10/11/2022 (Permalink)

two sponges on a table with soot Don't clean puffback soot yourself

When you are cleaning your home, you want to make sure that the job is done right. You want to make sure that you do not miss anything or do anything incorrectly. You may even consider doing some of the work yourself and saving some money in the process. However, there are times when it is better to leave a task up to someone else who has more experience than you do. Such is the case with puffback soot damage on walls: if left unaddressed, this damage could spread easily through your home and into other rooms and areas of your home over time.

What is Puffback?

Puffback occurs when the oil burner is not operating properly. It can cause damage to your walls and is potentially dangerous if you attempt to clean it yourself. Your best course of action if you are experiencing puffback is to contact your local HVAC professional, who will be able to inspect the system and make any necessary repairs.

Cleaning Puffback Damage

If you’re dealing with a puffback soot stain in your home, there are several steps you can take to clean up and remove the mess. First, use a damp cloth to wipe away any loose particles of soot that may be hanging around on your walls. Then, vacuum the area thoroughly with a vacuum hose attachment to get rid of any remaining particles and dust.

Next, wash the walls with a mild detergent diluted in water—this will not only clean off any remaining soot but also restore their original color! To dry them off after cleaning: wring out excess moisture from a soft cloth then use this cloth to gently pat down each wall until it’s dry (or nearly dry). Finally, if it seems like there are still remnants left behind after washing or drying—even after vacuuming—you might want to call in professionals for an inspection.


Of course, the better option is to call the professionals at SERVPRO of Montclair/West Orange to handle the entire process from start to finish. 

Cleaning Puffback Smoke is Dangerous

Not only is it dangerous and unhealthy to clean puffback soot yourself, but it can also be bad for your home. When you do the work yourself, you risk damaging your walls and other surfaces. In addition, if you don't have experience cleaning soot from the ductwork of your furnace or fireplace, then there's a chance that you'll accidentally damage the unit itself. For example: Some models of furnaces require a certain type of filter called an electrostatic filter or electronic filter in order to operate properly or at all. If this filter is damaged during dusting or vacuuming (for example), then it won't function correctly anymore. That means that this part needs replacing—and that costs money!

As you can see, puffback soot is not something to play around with. You do not want to risk your health and safety by cleaning the walls yourself. It is best to hire an expert who will know how to handle this dangerous substance properly, so they can ensure your family’s safety and property remain undamaged during cleanup.

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