We mitigated the fire and smoke damage, coordinated with their insurance provider, and restored the lounge so they could reopen as soon as possible and with minimal business interruption. 

What Caused the Fire

The fire started during a weekend event when the lounge used a fog machine to set the atmosphere. The machine, an off-brand unit purchased from an online marketplace, overheated and ignited near the main seating area.

The sprinkler system activated and contained the flames. There was still a lot of soot damage throughout the lounge, and although the sprinkler system contained the fire, it also sent water throughout the space.

Smoke spread quickly across the open-concept space and damaged the upholstery, ceilings, HVAC system, and décor.

How We Restored the Lounge

We arrived on-site within hours of the incident. Our team assessed the fire and water damage, secured the property, and started emergency cleanup.

Main Seating Area

• Removed waterlogged seating, hookahs, and fixtures to prevent mold growth. We cleaned and deodorized salvageable items in our facility.
• Dry sponged all the soot and smoke residue from the exposed brick walls, drywall, ceiling tiles, and all other hard surfaces.
• Removed all the affected drywall that was wet and charred. 
• Disinfected and deodorized the entire seating zone using air scrubbers and thermal fogging to remove lingering smoke odors.
• Pulled up vinyl plank flooring that had absorbed water from the sprinklers and dried the subfloor with air movers and dehumidifiers.

Lounge Bar Area

• Removed all the affected drywall that was wet and charred.
• Cleaned and disinfected bar surfaces, shelving, and equipment, including coffee machines and beverage coolers.
• Cleaned the HVAC ductwork and air registers to clear out smoke residue.
• Used chemical sponges and HEPA vacuums to lift fine soot from lighting fixtures, countertops, and glassware.

Back Storage and Office

• Cleared out the inventory exposed to smoke and sprinkler water.
• Checked drywall and subfloors for hidden moisture and cut out saturated wall sections to allow for proper drying.
• Set up two dehumidifiers and three air movers to dry the space and prevent secondary damage.

Electrical and Lighting

• Coordinated with a licensed electrician to inspect all fire-damaged wiring and lighting circuits.
• Replaced outlets and fixtures damaged by smoke and heat, and verified every system was safe before restoring power.

Repairs

We worked with the insurance company to provide a fair repair estimate, and the approval process took a few days.

After coordinating with the customer on finishes, we quickly started working on installing drywall, insulation, flooring, and replacing everything that was removed.

The Outcome

We completed structural drying, drywall removal, odor elimination, and soot removal in under six days.

Once we confirmed moisture levels were within normal ranges, the lounge was ready for cosmetic repairs and new furnishings.

We worked directly with the insurance provider throughout the process and documented the damage to support a smooth claims process.

The business reopened six weeks after the fire.

If You’re Dealing With Fire or Smoke Damage in Your Business

Fire can shut down a commercial property fast, whether you run a lounge, a restaurant, or a retail shop.

If you’re in this situation, here’s what to do:

• Shut off the power immediately and evacuate the building. Electrical systems damaged by heat or water are a serious hazard.
• Document the damage before cleanup starts. Take clear photos of every affected area, especially the fire origin point and any inventory loss, to back up your insurance claim.
• Don’t ignore smoke and soot. Even a small fire can coat ceilings, HVAC systems, and furnishings with corrosive residue that causes long-term damage if left untreated.
• Skip the DIY cleanup. Smoke odor and water damage need specialized equipment and professional techniques to fully clear out.
• Call ServiceMaster by Zaba. Our fire damage restoration team is available 24/7 and handles everything from debris removal and soot cleanup to structural drying so your business can reopen as fast as possible.

The post Recent Project: Albany Park Hookah Lounge Restored After Fog Machine Fire appeared first on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.

Even after the flames are out, smoke damage leaves hidden dangers and lasting effects.

For over 15 years, ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba has helped Chicago homeowners recover from fire damage.

Whether it’s a kitchen fire or full-structure loss, this guide covers what to expect from the smoke damage restoration process.

How to Spot Smoke Damage in Your Home

Before you start cleaning, it’s important to know what smoke damage actually looks like.

In some cases, the damage is easy to spot.

But in others, especially when the fire was smoky or started in the kitchen, it can show up in places far from the source and be much harder to detect.

Keep an eye out for these signs:

• Black dust or oily film on surfaces
• Paint that looks yellowed or discolored
• Furniture or fabrics that smell like smoke
• Soot streaks or black marks on walls and ceilings

How to Clean Smoke Damage in Your Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Before you start scrubbing, make sure you have the right tools on hand:

• Thick rubber gloves
• An OSHA-rated respirator or disposable mask
• Safety goggles or protective eyewear
• Dry-cleaning sponges made for soot removal
• Trisodium phosphate (TSP) or a degreasing cleaner
• A large sponge for moisture absorption
• Two clean plastic buckets
• Cleaning cloths or old T-shirts
• A HEPA vacuum with hose and upholstery attachments
• Warm water
• Plastic drop cloths and a sturdy ladder

Set up your supplies in one place so they’re easy to reach as you work.

2. Take Proper Safety Precautions

Soot and residue often contain chemicals and fine particles that can irritate your skin, eyes, and lungs.

To stay safe:

• Always wear a mask while in the smoke-damaged area
• Open windows for ventilation before and during cleanup
• Avoid the area if you’re pregnant or have respiratory issues
• Keep children, older adults, and pets away from the space
• Work slowly and carefully—rushing can spread contaminants or worsen damage

If you’re ever unsure, pause and consider calling a certified restoration company to take over the job.

3. Inspect the Damage

Walk through your home and check every room for signs of smoke. You’ll likely see heavy soot buildup and black streaks, but also watch for grayish haze, light discoloration, and smoky odors—especially on ceilings, vents, and corners.

Sort items as you go: ruined, salvageable, and undamaged. Remove anything beyond repair and move salvageable items to a clean, dry space.

Pro tip: Take photos of damaged items before tossing them to help with your insurance claim.

4. Ventilate the Area

Open as many windows and doors as possible to bring in fresh air. Ventilation will help reduce strong smoke odors and push airborne particles out of the space.

Avoid running your HVAC system at this stage—this can pull soot into ductwork and spread it throughout your home.

5. Remove Loose Soot from the Floors

Wearing your gloves, goggles, and mask, use a HEPA vacuum to gently clean soot and debris from the floors.

Hold the vacuum slightly above the surface to avoid grinding particles deeper into the carpet or wood.

Use hose attachments to vacuum along baseboards and in corners where soot tends to settle.

6. Clean the Walls

Begin with a dry-cleaning sponge to lift soot off your walls. Wipe gently in straight, vertical strokes. Don’t scrub—this can smear the residue.

Cut away the used portion of the sponge as it blackens, or switch to a new one.

Next, mix a cleaning solution of warm water, mild soap, 4–6 tablespoons of TSP, and 1 cup of bleach per gallon of water. Test on a small area first to make sure it won’t discolor the surface.

Wearing rubber gloves, use a sponge to wipe walls from the bottom up to prevent streaking. Rinse each section with clean water and dry it with fresh towels.

Repeat the same process for the ceilings once the walls are done.

7. Wash Windows and Window Frames

Use a smoke-specific cleaner and soft cloths to wipe the glass and the surrounding frame.

Follow up with a degreaser to remove any oily residue left behind. Be thorough—smoke often settles along edges and in grooves.

8. Clean Furniture and Upholstery

Use a store-bought smoke damage cleaner that matches the type of material:

• Use wood-safe products for wooden furniture
• Wipe down plastic or metal with an all-purpose cleaner
• Vacuum upholstered items with a HEPA vacuum before using a fabric-safe cleaner

Work slowly to avoid pushing soot deeper into cushions or fibers.

9. Wash Textiles and Fabrics

Clothing, bedding, and other fabrics absorb smoke easily. Wash these items separately:

• Use detergent and bleach if the fabric allows
• For non-bleachable items, use detergent and a teaspoon of baking soda in cold water
• Heavily damaged items may benefit from TSP-based laundry products (follow label instructions carefully)

10. Remove Smoke Odor

Even after cleaning, odors can linger. To help absorb lingering smells:

• Place bowls of baking soda, white vinegar, or activated charcoal in each affected room
• Sprinkle baking soda on upholstery or carpets, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum
• Consider professional odor removal services, like ozone treatment, if the smell persists

Why You Should Hire Certified Fire Restoration Experts

You can handle light cleanup, but full smoke restoration takes pros who clean, sanitize, and rebuild the right way.

Here’s what you get when you bring in a restoration team:

• Industrial-grade equipment for soot removal, odor control, and air purification
• Tear-out and reconstruction of drywall, flooring, and structural materials
• HVAC cleaning and sanitization to prevent recontamination
• Documentation and support for insurance claims
• Faster recovery with fewer long-term risks

At ServiceMaster by Zaba, we’ve restored hundreds of homes across the Chicago area.

We work quickly, thoroughly, and with compassion—helping families reclaim their space with confidence.

Dealing With Smoke Damage in Chicago? We’re Here For You

The damage caused by smoke is more than surface deep—it affects your home’s air quality, structure, and contents.

Act fast to avoid permanent damage and ensure a full recovery.

At ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, we bring over a decade of experience to every job with our fire and smoke damage restoration services.

Our certified technicians are available 24/7 to respond to smoke and fire damage throughout the Chicago area.

Don’t wait until minor damage becomes a major problem. Call us now at (773) 647-1985

The post 6 Steps for Proper Smoke Damage Restoration appeared first on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.