Dinner was in the oven, but what now remains is a charred roast or chicken, and a penetrating, rancid odor.  Eggs were being hard boiled, but your insured fell asleep and awoke to a putrid smell and smoke. These are examples of protein fires, which professional restorers recognize as a special category of damage. At best, the food is all that is involved; at worst, the fire also causes extensive structural damage. In addition to smoke, soot and char, protein residue makes for a challenging clean-up.

Unlike a typical fire that burns the structure and other contents, typical kitchen protein fires 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 film can be a problem because the casual observer sees no black residue and mistakenly underestimates the damage, effort, and technical requirements needed to alleviate the odor.  In fact, the obnoxious odor, combined with the absence of visible smoke, makes protein fires one of the most frustrating types of damage for building occupants.  Both structure and contents are compromised in these situations.

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 alone is not sufficient, sealing and/or re-painting may be required. Affected upholstery, carpets and clothing also require thorough cleaning to remove the odor-generating residue. Textiles frequently release odors better than hard kitchen surfaces.

RestorePro specializes in solving the difficult. The odor sources most often overlooked are typically close to the source (kitchen, dining room, adjacent rooms).   Electrical devices may need to be replaced, and the wires and electrical box interior 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.  Successful odor mitigation lies in the details.

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 suggests.  Repeated treatments or “trial and evaluate” approaches are not signs of an inexperienced restorer!  These steps are an essential part of solving the protein problem. The key is knowing what to look for and where to look.  Persistence, refusing to make assumptions, and acknowledging the required effort will lead the experienced restorer to success.  The inexperienced will fail to mitigate as cost effectively and timely, and ultimately may fail to reach the goal of successful elimination of the problem.  When you refer RestorePro, you minimize those risks.  We specialize in tackling the difficult and we have a proven track record of success.