Damage following a fire

Fire Damage Cleaning

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Fire Damage Restoration

For homes or businesses, even a minor blaze can be devastating. Fire often causes structural damage and leaves premises coated in soot and smoke. This hidden grime not only looks unappealing but also contains harmful chemicals that can compromise the occupants' health.

Prompt cleaning is essential to prevent problems from worsening. Rentokil Specialist Hygiene provides a professional fire damage restoration service across the UK. We offer 24/7 emergency response, deploying RSPH‑accredited technicians to remove debris, scrub away soot and neutralise odours.

Our goal is to clear and clean the site so that repair and refurbishment can begin with minimal downtime.

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What is Fire Damage Cleaning

Fire damage cleaning is a specialist process that goes far beyond ordinary cleaning. After a fire, soot, ash, and smoke oils can stick to walls, floors and furniture in ways that household cleaners can’t remove. Our operatives wear protective gear and use industrial vacuums, pressure washers and anti-microbial solutions to strip these residues away.

For hard-to-clean areas, we can also use EcoBlasting, blasting a suitable substrate dependent on the service at high pressure to lift stubborn soot from surfaces. In effect, it’s a deep clean and deodorisation that restores the building as closely as possible to its pre-fire condition, making it safe, hygienic and ready for repair.

The Dangers of Fire Damage

Fire damage poses hidden health and safety risks. Smoke and soot contain toxic chemicals and tiny particulates that people should not breathe or touch. Inhaling soot can lead to coughing, breathing problems, skin or eye irritation and long-term exposure is even linked to serious health issues.

Soot is essentially a fine carbon dust with toxic additives, and it coats every surface from walls and ceilings to vents, furnishings and beyond. Carpets, upholstery and even appliances can be ruined if not cleaned promptly. This is why a professional clean up is a matter of health, not just appearance.

Why is professional fire damage clean up important to prevent secondary fire damage?

Even after the flames are out, hidden dangers remain. During a fire, porous materials heat up and absorb soot and odours, then cool and trap those particles inside. Later, as temperatures change again, the trapped particles can be released back into the air, potentially causing new damage or odour issues.

In other words, inadequate clean up after a fire allows smoke and harmful residues to “reactivate” over time, posing ongoing health risks. Smoke residue can also spread beyond the main fire area.

Soot travels to cooler parts of a building, so rooms adjacent to the blaze may seem untouched but can harbour hidden contaminants. A professional clean addresses these unseen areas, fully decontaminating the property. By removing all residues before redecoration, you minimise the risk of secondary damage or odour problems.

How do you clean up following fire damage?

Our fire damage restoration process

We focus on safety and a rapid response. Once the fire is out, our technicians assess the scene for hazards and set up containment if needed.

We operate a 24/7 emergency callout service to reach you quickly nationwide. Our crews then ventilate the area and start clearing debris.

Key features of our fire damage clean up include:

  • 24/7 rapid response - Technicians provide emergency callout support, dispatching local teams across the UK.

  • Tailored solutions - Each property is assessed so the cleaning plan matches the extent of fire damage, clean up and smoke exposure.

  • Smoke damage cleaning - We scrub, vacuum, and wash away soot from floors, walls, and ceilings using specialised equipment.

  • Odour neutralisation - Advanced deodorising systems remove ash and eliminate lingering smoke smells.

  • Certified experts - All work is performed by our RSPH-accredited technicians, ensuring that hygiene and safety standards are consistently met.

Throughout the clean up, we document the progress. For stubborn soot and smells EcoBlasting can be used, a non-corrosive substrate blasting method that lifts soot and odours without damaging surfaces. The result is a property that’s clear of residue and safe for rebuilding and/or redecorating.

Latex soot removal for natural surfaces

Certain surfaces like brickwork, render, terracotta, and natural stone often absorb soot deeply during a fire, causing particles to resurface months later and release lingering odours. For these porous materials, we use a natural peelable latex-based solution as part of our restoration service.

This specialist cleaning product is solvent-free and skin-safe, applied as a liquid and peeled off once dry. As it lifts away, it draws out embedded soot particles from within the surface, effectively removing contamination without damaging the material. This is particularly effective on exposed brick walls, concrete, and heritage finishes where traditional methods may fall short.

Kitchen Ventilation Cleaning - Fire Risk

Grease build up in kitchen extract systems is a major fire hazard. Every time a stove or fryer runs, grease-laden vapours are vented upwards. Over time, fat accumulates in the canopy filters and ducts. In short, professional kitchen ventilation cleaning involves the removal of all grease and grime from hoods, vents, and fans. It’s critical for safety: if a spark reaches a greasy duct, a fire can quickly spread.

In the UK, this cleaning must meet the TR19 standard for fire safety. Most insurers require proof of TR19-compliant cleaning, and failing to provide this documentation can even invalidate your cover.

Rentokil Specialist Hygiene is BESA-certified, so we strictly follow TR19 guidelines. Our service fully degreases canopy filters and ductwork, and we provide a compliance report afterwards. This not only reduces fire risk but also helps ensure you meet insurance and regulatory obligations.

Why choose Rentokil Specialist Hygiene

  • Over 50 years of specialist cleaning experience.
  • Nationwide 24/7 emergency response.
  • Fully insured, DBS-checked and RSPH-accredited technicians.
  • EcoBlasting service – non-corrosive, eco-friendly, effective on harsh residues.
  • Latex soot removal cleaning - latex peel for effective removal of soot from brick work, natural stone, concrete and render.
  • High standards and compliance with industry certifications (including TR19).
  • Strong customer satisfaction and proven track record across sectors.

Frequently Asked Questions on Fire Damage Restoration

Below are answers to common questions about fire damage restoration and smoke damage cleaning. If you need more help, our team is available 24/7.


  • How do I get rid of the smoke smell in a fire-damaged property?

    Start by airing out the space and removing all damaged materials. Wash all hard surfaces, but for embedded smells in walls or soft furnishings, you’ll likely need professional smoke damage cleaning using industrial deodorisers or soda blasting.


  • Can smoke damage make you sick?

    Yes, smoke residue contains toxic particles and gases that can cause respiratory issues, headaches, or skin irritation. Long-term exposure increases health risks, especially in children and vulnerable individuals.


  • How long does it take to air out a house after smoke?

    This depends on the size of the fire and the ventilation. A light smoke smell may dissipate in a day or two, but strong or embedded odours can linger for weeks without specialist treatment.


  • Can you live in a house that has smoke damage?

    It’s not recommended. Residual toxins and microscopic soot can pose ongoing health risks. The area should be professionally cleaned before it’s considered safe for habitation.


  • How do you clean up after smoke damage?

    Clean all surfaces with appropriate detergents, ventilate rooms, and discard any smoke-absorbed soft furnishings. For severe damage, hire a fire damage restoration service with access to professional-grade equipment.


  • Does the risk of fire increase during the summer months?

    Yes. Hot weather increases the risk of fire, especially in commercial kitchens and dry environments. Regular maintenance and cleaning significantly reduce the risk.


  • What is the process for fire debris clean up?

    Fire debris clean up includes removing burnt materials, vacuuming soot, scrubbing and specialist cleaning of surfaces, deodorising, and properly disposing of contaminated waste.


  • How do you clean a kitchen after a fire?

    Begin by removing all burnt items and cleaning soot from surfaces. Clean ventilation systems and filters thoroughly, and ensure compliance with TR19 standards, if applicable, in commercial settings.


  • Can I clean fire damage myself?

    Small superficial cleaning may be possible, but deep fire damage clean up should be left to professionals due to safety risks and the need for specialist equipment.


  • How much does it cost to clean up fire damage?

    The cost depends on the severity, property size and time required. Rentokil Specialist Hygiene offers tailored quotes following a free site survey. Insurance may cover some or all of the costs.


  • Who is responsible for fire damage?

    It depends on the situation. Homeowners, tenants, or businesses may be liable depending on the lease agreements and the cause. Insurers often assist in determining responsibility.


  • Do you have local fire damage cleaners?

    Yes. Rentokil Specialist Hygiene has trained, accredited teams nationwide, ensuring a local response backed by national expertise.