Wildfire Smoke Intrusion Cleanup in Orange County, CA
Wildfire smoke seeps through the smallest gaps, coating interiors with ultra-fine ash and leaving a stubborn, acidic odor. White Glove Plumbing & Restoration provides full-scope wildfire smoke intrusion cleanup—surface cleaning, HEPA air management, HVAC protection/duct cleaning, odor neutralization, and targeted sealing—so your space is healthy, clean, and comfortable again.
✓ Fine-particle control: Capture sub-micron ash effectively
✓ HVAC safe-guards: Protect, clean, and reset filters
✓ Odor elimination: Hydroxyl/thermal fog; sealing if needed
✓ Claim-ready docs: Photos, logs, clear scope
✓ Fine-particle control
✓ HVAC safe-guards
✓ Odor elimination
✓ Claim-ready docs
What Is Wildfire Smoke Intrusion Cleanup?
It’s a structured program to remove fine ash and smoke residues from interiors and building systems, restore indoor air quality, and neutralize odor. We combine:
Surface cleaning: HEPA vacuum + dry-sponge pre-clean; pH-appropriate wet cleaning.
Air management: HEPA air scrubbers in recirculation or negative-air mode to capture particulates.
HVAC protection & duct cleaning: Register protection, negative-pressure duct cleaning, coil/pan service, and filter reset.
Deodorization & sealing: Hydroxyl or thermal fog; selective encapsulation where odors persist.
Why Choose White Glove Plumbing
End-to-end recovery: Exterior ash control, interior wipe-down, HEPA air filtration, HVAC/duct cleaning, odor neutralization, and repairs—one accountable team.
IICRC-guided methods: Residue identification, correct chemistry, and verifiable air/particle control (not just “wipe and hope”).
Occupant-friendly approach: Phased areas, negative air where needed, and occupied-safe hydroxyl deodorization options.
Documentation that moves claims: Photo sets, zone maps, ACH/pressure notes, product lists, and final verification.
Emergency Checklist (What to Do Now)
Keep HVAC off in smoky zones to prevent system contamination; close returns.
Close windows/doors when outside AQ is poor; ventilate only when outdoor air improves.
Avoid dry wiping—it smears ash. Lightly HEPA vacuum instead if you must.
Bag and save filters for documentation; don’t replace yet.
Call our 24/7 dispatcher—we’ll assess, protect the system, and start controlled cleanup.
Common Intrusion Patterns We Handle
Ash infiltration through attics, soffits, and door sweeps
HVAC intake during poor outdoor AQ spreading particulates indoors
Fine residue on textured ceilings, window tracks, blinds, and baseboards
Odor that lingers in porous paints, cabinets, and closets
Multi-unit/HOA corridors and lobbies with shared air pathways
Assessment & Zone Plan
Map residue load, sensitive finishes, and pressure pathways; set air-change (ACH) targets and decide on recirculation vs. negative air per zone.
Containment & HVAC Protection
Install plastic barriers/zip doors; protect or bag registers; place HEPA air scrubbers and, where indicated, negative pressure monitoring.
Dry Pre-Clean (No Smear)
HEPA vacuum and chemical-sponge surfaces to lift loose particulates from walls/ceilings/trim before any wet work.
Wet Cleaning & Detail Work
Use pH-appropriate detergents and microfiber technique; detail tracks, blinds, fixtures, and high-touch points; protect finishes.
HVAC / Duct Cleaning & Filter Reset
Negative-pressure duct cleaning with brush/air-whip agitation and HEPA capture; clean coil, blower, and pan; install proper MERV-rated filter.
Odor Neutralization & Selective Sealing
Run hydroxyl (occupied-safe) or thermal fogging; use targeted encapsulants only where residual odor persists; final photos and guidance.
What’s Included
Zone containment & HEPA air management (recirc or negative air)
Dry pre-clean (HEPA + chemical sponge) and wet cleaning by finish
Detailing of window tracks, blinds, fixtures, cabinetry interiors
HVAC protection & full duct/component cleaning with filter reset
Odor treatment (hydroxyl/thermal fog; selective sealing if needed)
Documentation packet (photos, zone maps, run logs, final verification)
Costs & Timelines (What to Expect)
Typical duration: Many homes/units complete in 1–3 days; larger or heavily textured spaces may need phased returns.
Cost drivers: Square footage/volume, residue density, HVAC/duct length and condition, deodorization needs, and after-hours scheduling.
Transparent scope: Line-item estimate and daily progress updates; we share the same file with your adjuster.
Insurance & Claims Help
Carrier-friendly evidence: Before/during/after photos, zone maps, HEPA/negative-air logs, product lists, and filter documentation.
Scope clarity: We explain why air management and HVAC cleaning are necessary to prevent re-odor and re-soiling.
Supplements: If hidden intrusion or additional duct zones appear, we document and submit promptly.
Risks of Waiting (Why Act Now)
Re-soiling of cleaned surfaces as particulates keep circulating.
Odor set-in as compounds bind to porous paints and contents.
IAQ complaints—irritants and sensitive-occupant symptoms persist.
System contamination each time the fan cycles if ducts aren’t cleaned.
Methods, Equipment & Quality Standards
Air & particle control: HEPA air scrubbers, optional carbon media for odor/VOCs, negative air as needed, door discipline for pressure control.
Surface sequence: Dry lift first (HEPA/chemical sponge), then pH-correct wet cleaning; microfiber and rinse to neutral.
HVAC decon: Negative-pressure duct cleaning with brush/air-whip; coil/blower/pan service; register protection and MERV filter reset with follow-up change recommended in 1–2 weeks.
Deodorization: Hydroxyl for occupied spaces; thermal fogging for deep penetration; ozone only in unoccupied areas with strict re-entry.
Selective sealing: Encapsulants used after cleaning when odor persists in porous substrates (attics, framing, certain cabinets).
Verification: Visual/odor checks, equipment logs, and a written re-occupancy guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will HEPA machines alone remove the smell?
They reduce particulate-bound odor but don’t replace cleaning and deodorization. We do all three, in the right order.
Do we need duct cleaning if we shut the system off?
If the system ran at any point during smoke events, duct cleaning is strongly recommended. We’ll inspect and advise either way.
Is ozone required?
Not usually. We prefer hydroxyl (occupied-safe) and thermal fog after proper cleaning. If used, ozone runs only in unoccupied spaces.
Can fabrics and rugs be saved?
Often yes. We’ll advise in-place cleaning vs. textile restoration/pack-out based on residue and fiber type.
Will we need to repaint?
Usually not. When staining/shadowing persists, we specify stain-blocking primer and paint in limited areas.
Can you help seal attics or wall cavities?
Yes—selective encapsulation of smoke-impacted substrates is available after cleaning and dry verification.
More White Glove Plumbing Fire Damage Restoration Services
Proudly Serving All of Orange County
Address: 1430 E Borchard Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Phone: (949) 209-5206
Email: office@whitegloveplumbingca.com
White Glove Plumbing is locally based in Santa Ana and serves residential and commercial clients across Orange County with 24/7 emergency plumbing and water-damage restoration.
Our expert team handles leak detection, emergency plumbing, water extraction/dry-out, sewage cleanup, mold remediation, and reconstruction in top OC areas including Irvine, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Orange, Tustin, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Fullerton, Yorba Linda, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and San Clemente - plus surrounding neighborhoods.
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1430 E Borchard Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705