A puffback is a small explosion inside your furnace that can spread thick black soot throughout your home. The soot can settle on almost anything, causing black stains. The best way to clean up a furnace puff back is with a damp rag and concentrated degreaser. The steps below explain how to clean up after a furnace puffback.
What Is a Puff Back?
A puffback is an explosion inside the combustion chamber of a furnace or boiler. Not only will it damage your heating system, but it can spread smoke and soot throughout your home. Spelled both puff back and puffback, it is more common in an oil furnace than with gas systems.
What Causes a Puffback?
Puff backs occur if your furnace does not ignite immediately, allowing the oil or gas to build up in the combustion chamber. When the system does ignite, it causes an explosion that releases smoke and soot. Forced air systems will then blow the soot throughout your home.
How Do You Prevent Furnace Puffbacks?
Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent furnace puffbacks. Have your heating system inspected by a licensed HVAC specialist once a year. They are also more likely in older systems, so consider replacing your furnace or boiler every 12 to 20 years.
How Do You Clean Up After a Furnace Puff Back?
You can clean small furnace puff backs on your own. However, call a soot damage specialist if the soot spread to several rooms, the stains are thick, or if you cannot clean up the damage immediately. The longer you wait, the less likely you can clean up the mess.
Shut Off Your Heating System
Before you do anything, turn off your heating system. Leaving it running can cause more damage. Most furnaces have a master on-off switch, but you can also turn it off at the electrical breaker.
Assess the Damage
Next, review the damage and decide if you want to clean it yourself. Take into account how far the soot spread, the types of materials involved, and how much time you have. Also, take photos of the mess for your insurance claim.
Dress for Clean-Up
If you plan to clean up the puffback, you should dress appropriately. Never clean up soot without a respirator. Also, wear pants, long sleeves, gloves, and eye protection. Since you will get dirty, wear clothes you don’t mind ruining.
Cover Vents With Filters
Since it’s hard to clean air ducts yourself, you should cover all vents with filters to stop the spread of soot. Check the filters at least once a day and replace them whenever they a full of soot. Keep the vents covered until you can have your furnace inspected.
Remove Debris
Start cleaning up a puff back by removing large debris. Use a shop-vac for heavy soot and ash. Move furniture away from walls to make space for cleaning. Also, throw away anything you don’t plan on keeping.
Clean With Degreaser
A concentrated degreaser works best for cleaning a furnace puff back. If the damage is minor, add the degreaser to a bucket of water and scrub surfaces with a rag. A spray bottle is more effective for large areas. Spray on the degreaser, then clean surfaces with a damp rag. Use a dry cleaning machine to remove soot stains from carpeting and upholstery.
Seal & Repaint Walls
Even after cleaning, soot can stain walls. Use a stain-blocking primer to seal the wall surface. Then repaint with regular interior paint.
Have Your Furnace Inspected
After a puff back, have your furnace professionally inspected before using it again. An HVAC specialist will determine if it is safe to use. They can repair some damage, but you may need to replace it in some cases.
How Do You Clean Clothes After a Puffback Furnace?
If soot from a puffback stained clothing, you can clean them with vinegar and liquid dish soap. Mix one gallon of vinegar with a gallon of water and one cup of liquid dish soap in a large bucket. Let the clothes soak for several hours, then rinse them in cold water. Repeat as necessary to clean the stains. Once the stains are gone, wash and dry them.
Do you need help with furnace puffback cleanup? Our local fire and soot damage restoration pros are here to clean up your home or business fast. Call 877-941-2788 now for 24-hour emergency service and a fast, free quote.
