Odor – Simple Fire Odor: Procedure for Cleaning

This procedure applies to flash protein fires. Flash protein fires are stovetop fires that occur with the homeowner in the kitchen, and it is put out immediately, but still produce smoke and odor. Very little if any demolition is required, aside from a possible cabinet or localized wall behind the stove.

In short term events surfaces and airspace can be treated using this scaled-down process.

If contents are not removed, and if homeowner is staying in the home, then hydroxyl generators (one per floor level) and air scrubbers with carbon filters (one per floor level) are needed.

In localized protein fires, there are three levels of remediation required. Each higher level of remediation assumes lower level operations are included.

  • Level 1 – Thermal fogging only. For rooms at a distance from the loss.

  • Level 2 – Surface cleaning required. Rooms adjacent to loss site.

  • Level 3 – Some demo required. Room where loss occurred.

Consider if HVAC system requires cleaning. If so, use RamAir system. See App process for duct cleaning.

Supplies:

  • Microfiber cloths and mop heads – 5” and 19”

  • Plastic sheeting (for protection and containment)

  • Contractor bags

  • Two 5-Gallon Buckets

Equipment:

  • PPE – White coveralls, MaxAir headsets, Nitrile gloves (6-mil)

  • ULV fogger

  • Thermal fogger

  • Hydroxyl generator (may be needed)

  • Air scrubber with carbon filter (may be needed)

Chemistry:

  • Degreaser – mix with warm water 50% and 50% Degreaser

    • Add booster odor removing agent

  • Hydrogen peroxide and quat disinfectant (e.g., Artemis Chem Decon A & B)

  • Chlorine dioxide mist (ProKure, 500 ppm)

  • Citrus-based deodorizer (fogged)

  • Thermal fogging agent (e.g., Thermo-55 Tobacco Neutralizer)

  • Vital Oxide (for cleaning doors, shelves, cabinets)

  • Window Cleaner (for cleaning interior widows and bathroom mirrors)

Step-by-Step Instructions for all Levels as Required:

Step 1: Pre-Clean Inspection

  • Inspect the space for severity of contamination. Photograph all areas.

Step 2: Pre Clean Demolition

  • Porous materials should be identified and removed, especially textiles, such as carpets, drapes, blankets, clothing, furniture, etc.

    • Textiles have no EPA method for disinfecting. They should be removed.

    • Burned stoves have to be removed. Charred materials, if present, should be removed or covered in 6-mil or contained with 6-mil.

  • It is preferred that all contents are removed from the structure before the smoke odor cleaning is initiated. However, in small stove top protein fires, the contents may remain. In such cases, after cleaning install hydroxyl generators and air scrubbers with carbon filters.

Step 3: First Surface Treatment

  • Dry mop all painted surfaces.

  • Dip microfiber cloth in bucket of degreaser (with booster), slightly squeeze to remove excess solution, place on mop head, wet mop painted surfaces (walls, ceiling, closets).

  • Discard microfiber cloths.

Step 4: Second Surface Treatment

  • Dip microfiber cloth in bucket of Chem Decon A/B, slightly squeeze to remove excess solution, place on mop head, wet mop all surfaces (walls, ceiling, closets, doors, cabinets, paneling).

  • Discard microfiber cloths.

Step 5: Cleaning Discrete Items

  • Bathroom items (counter tops, vanity – inside and outside, light fixtures, toilet, tub, shower, etc.) are to be wiped down with Vital Oxide, or Chem Decon A/B, thoroughly.

  • Kitchen items (counter tops, cabinets – inside and outside, light fixtures, appliances, etc.) are to be wiped down with Vital Oxide, or Chem Decon A/B, thoroughly.

  • Appliances (washer, dryer, hot water heater) are to be wiped down, outside, with Vital Oxide, or Chem Decon A/B, thoroughly.

  • Light Fixtures – hanging, recessed, any – are to be wiped down, outside, with Vital Oxide, or Chem Decon A/B, thoroughly.

Step 6: First Volume Airspace Treatment

  • Use ProKure backpack sprayer to lightly mist all surfaces with ProKure V 500 ppm solution. Mist sufficient to get wet but not drip or run. It should dry on its own.

Step 7: Second Volume Airspace Treatment

  • Using ULV fogger, thoroughly wet fog with Citric Acid solution the complete volume airspace, getting inside cabinets and onto all surfaces.

Step 8: Third Volume Airspace Treatment

  • For protein fire odor final thermal fogging is done with Thermo55 Kentucky Blue Grass (KBG). This produces the smallest particle micron size to penetrate nooks and crannies and further eliminate odor-producing contaminants.

Step 9: Final Cleaning

  • Clean windows and windowsills in rooms where walls are cleaned. In rooms where only thermal fog was done, windows do not need to be cleaned. Clean finished floors with Unitex in Level 2 and Level 3 areas.

Step 10: Documentation

  • Capture before/after photos, and chemical usage. Note any recommendations for repainting or HVAC cleaning.

By following this procedure, modest protein fire odor can be thoroughly neutralized through layered cleaning and fogging, restoring the living space to a clean and odor-free condition.