Dinner was in the oven, but what remains is a charred clump of roast, chicken, or other meat—and a penetrating, rancid odor.  Hard boiled eggs were being prepared, but I fell asleep and awoke to a putrid smell and smoke…there were only 2 eggs in the boil…It is called a protein fire, protein cook-down, and professional restorers recognize it as a special category of damage.  At best, the food is all that is involved, at worst, a fire also causes extensive structural damage.  In addition to smoke, soot and char, protein residue makes for a challenging project.

Unlike a typical fire that burns the structure and other contents,  the typical kitchen “protein only” “fires” or “cook-downs”  produce little visible smoke residue.  The low level of heat reduces the animal fat and food protein to a fine mist, leaving a clear, almost invisible film.  That can be a problem, because the casual observer sees no black residue and mistakenly underestimates the damage and effort, technical requirements, to alleviate the odor.   In fact, the rancid, obnoxious odor, combined with the absence of visible smoke, makes protein fires one of the most frustrating types of damage for building occupants.  Structure AND Contents are compromised.

Here is where experience comes in to play…standard smoke odor removal processes are seldom effective with protein odor.  Attempts at a quick fix lead to frustration.   There is a saying…”You don’t know what you don’t know until you find out you didn’t know and eventually, you may learn the “what” you didn’t know too late…”  But there is a better way.  RestorePro KNOWS !  An important first step to recovery is a thorough washing with a strong degreaser incorporating pairing agents (specialized deodorization solutions) of all affected surfaces.  The proper chemistry is key, and thoroughness of operations will make the difference.

Because the burned material is consumed slowly, the residues are able to penetrate cabinet interiors, soffits, range hoods, closets and ducts.  Some painted surfaces develop a beige-to-pink discoloration which may be permanent.  When cleaning is not sufficient, sealing with clear sealants or repainting may be required.  Affected upholstery, carpets and clothing also require thorough cleaning to remove the odor-generating residue.  Textiles frequently release the odors better than hard kitchen surfaces.

RestorePro specializes in solving the difficult.  When the cleaning is done, and the odor is still present, we have been called upon to consult and to bring home the solution…The most often overlooked systems which are problematic odor sources are typically close to the source (kitchen, dining, adjacent rooms).   Electrical devices may need to be replaced, the wires and inside of the electrical box thoroughly cleaned.  Kitchen cabinets have cavities in the back, and they may need to be taken down, cleaned and the raw wood in the back sealed. Refrigerators have drip pans and coils that get contaminated, and these must be degreased and thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

Experienced restorers follow a progression of steps until the problem is resolved.  The important thing is to understand that protein residue is more damaging and more persistent than its appearance would suggest.  Repeated treatments or repeated “trial and evaluate” approaches do not mean the restorer is inexperienced!  They are an essential part of solving the protein problem.  The key is knowing what and where to look.  And to be persistent, to not make too many assumptions, and to not discount the effort it is going to take to achieve success.  However, the inexperienced will fail to mitigate as cost effectively and timely as the experienced, and ultimately may fail to reach the goal of successful elimination of the problem.  When you refer RestorePro, you minimize those risks, because we specialize in tackling the difficult.  We have a proven track record of success.