[richywilts]

a friend had a fire in her kitchen and has got some smoke damage i presume on her brickwork whats the best way to clean this with pressure washer will water clean it or do i need to used any detergents

[BDCS]

If there was a fire in her kitchen and you pressure wash it you will also have flood damage to clear up. You'll need a degreaser like ultrapac renovate, the sponges and a thermo fogger. Ring someone like Restormate and take proper advice on the works and products. Why can't she just claim on her house insurance ?

[richywilts]

kitchens all been re fitted i think carl but when the fire took place its damaged the brickwork on the external wall from smoke damage etc and charred the guttering and down pipe

[BDCS]

OK then same proceedure - degreaser then pressure wash with hot if you've got it. I use alkaline and a caustic product on these jobs - usually wheely bin fires

[Matt Gibson]

I always use hydrofluoric acid on smoke stains. neolith do a premixed acid 625ss.  bit pricey but it works a treat.

[BDCS]

Have you got a Harben depot near you ?

[Matt Gibson]

Ive got a flowplant near me. same thing i think. all their stuff is way overpriced. but its handy when i ojly need a small ammount or if ive run out.

[BDCS]

Sorry yes they are the same thing

[Griffus]

Though I've not used it for this purpose Ultrapac Renovate is good stuff and it does state that it's good foor this. Worth a go I'd say.

Don't forget a stiff brush and loads of elbow grease too!!

[Nick Attwood]

Personally I would not go anywhere near it with WATER! (this is from experience) Brickwork can be a pig! My advise without seeing it and depending on the amount of carbon present would be:

Latex/Chemical Sponge down the affected area first! (done dry)

The I would apply Grip Soot (this does not come cheep)
http://www.chemspecdirect.co.uk/grip-soot-2-part-latex-soot-carbon-smoke-damage-restorer-for-wood-stone.html

Then I would start to use water / chosen product, if you use water first there is going to be one hell of a mess and twice the work!

A spinner is good for this work like the Gekko X-7
http://hydramaster.co.uk/index.php/hard-surface-cleaning/80-accessories/149

JK I'm sure could sort you out with all of the above.

PS. Double the amount of time you think this will take.

[BDCS]

 so its £300 for soot grip and at least that again for the fsc you suggest ? 

[Nick Attwood]

so its £300 for soot grip and at least that again for the fsc you suggest ? 

You need the right tools for the job!

[Matt Gibson]

Or you can know how to do the job right with the tools you've got 

[Nick Attwood]

With all due respect, you can't do the job RIGHT without the right TOOLS.

The guy asked how to do the job, I simply provided the answer from my professional knowledge of dealing in fire restoration over the past 10 years.

[richywilts]

i think im gonna pass on this job sounds like it all getting a bit technical for a dumb ass window cleaner 

anyone in the wirral region interested i will pass on details thanks

also thank you to everyone who replied ive not actually looked at job yet so do not really know condition but being a mate shes going to want it dirt cheap

[BDCS]

Richy just get the chemical and go and wash it. Don't listen to the scare mongers - someone who has no after fire photos on their gallery

[Nick Attwood]

Richy just get the chemical and go and wash it. Don't listen to the scare mongers - someone who has no after fire photos on their gallery

Says the person who does not even advertise Fire Restoration! And must have a wealth of experience!!!

I tried to point Richy in the right direction and provided some knowledgeable advice.

[BDCS]