When dealing with smoke-damaged materials, what is the primary cleaning agent recommended?

The primary cleaning agent recommended for smoke-damaged materials is solvent-based cleaners. Smoking creates a variety of residues that can be difficult to remove, and solvent-based cleaners are particularly effective in breaking down and dissolving these types of oily residues. They are designed to penetrate and lift residues from various surfaces, making them a preferred choice in fire and smoke restoration.

Solvent-based cleaners can effectively target the complex mix of soot and smoke particles that adhere to materials after a fire. These cleaners work well on a range of materials, including metals, wood, and certain fabrics, ensuring effective restoration of surfaces affected by smoke damage. In contrast, water and detergents may not be as effective against oily residues, while soaps are generally milder and may not have the necessary strength to restore heavily smoke-damaged materials properly. Thus, solvent-based cleaners are essential for thorough cleaning in smoke restoration efforts.