Did you know that smoke and soot from fire damage can affect your home in various ways? Read on to learn why it’s important to call a professional to get rid of them. According to Statistica, over 350,000 house fires were reported in the US in 2016 alone. No matter how safe and sophisticated a home looks, it remains under the risk of fire due to the various ignition sources present inside. While safety equipment, such as smoke alarms, has reduced life and health risks, the damage to property is often unavoidable. Also, few people know that fire is not the only problem. The smoke and soot that emerges during and after the fire can be equally detrimental for the affected property. Let’s explore the different ways in which smoke and soot can wreak havoc in your home: Skin and Eye Irritation When exposed to soot, your skin can suffer severe irritation. The same can happen if soot penetrates your clothing. Even after washing, some soot particles can stay embedded in the fabric. Wearing these clothes will keep irritating your skin, even if your entire home is free from soot. Likewise, you won’t be able to see soot particles with a naked eye, yet, your eyes may feel them upon exposure. If these particles come into contact with your eyes while floating in the air, your eyes may become itchy and red. That’s why you should never attempt to clean soot on your own because some particles inevitably release into the air and affect your eyes. Staining The majority of the affected surfaces should immediately show up smoke damages, but some won’t display discoloration for the first few days. In the next few days, you might see parts of floors and walls turning yellow. If soot is not treated properly, porous surfaces, such as exposed wood and granite or marble countertops can become permanently discolored. Smoke and soot can even cause metal surfaces to tarnish. To reduce the chances of permanent staining in your home, you should get your home treated for soot damage immediately after the fire incident. Unpleasant Smell You won’t normally be able to see the complete smoke and soot damage on furniture and fabrics, but you will certainly smell it. When the tiny smoke particles are trapped in carpets, drapes and clothes, they lead to an unpleasant smell, which will linger for long periods if you don’t get the surfaces treated. But keep in mind that the odor will be tough to remove if it has penetrated deep into surfaces. Final Word You might be anxious to clean your home after fire damage, but you may only be wasting your time and efforts if you don’t rely on a professional to deliver the job. Not only do fire damage restoration professionals ensure effective smoke and soot cleanup but also help prevent further damage. For emergency fire damage restoration services, reach out to STOP Restoration at your earliest.