Cleaning after fire and disaster: the emergency response from SOS Nettoyage

A fire, a water leak, a flood or an episode of mould — when disaster strikes, the shock is brutal. Beyond the emotion, a race against time begins. Every hour lost makes the damage worse: soot becomes ingrained, water corrodes, mould proliferates, and odours set in. Cleaning after a disaster is not ordinary housework. It is a technical, methodical and urgent process that requires specialised expertise, professional equipment and unfailing responsiveness.

At SOS Nettoyage, we are the specialist in post-disaster cleaning in Western Switzerland. Our response team can be mobilised 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and public holidays. We operate throughout Western Switzerland — Genève, Lausanne, Fribourg, Neuchâtel, Sion, Montreux, Yverdon, Nyon — to secure, decontaminate, clean and restore your premises after any type of disaster.

The different types of disasters we handle

Every disaster is unique. The nature of the damage, the extent of the affected area, the materials involved and the response time all determine the cleaning strategy. Here are the main types of disasters for which SOS Nettoyage intervenes daily in Western Switzerland.

Fire: when flames devastate everything in their path

Fire is arguably the most devastating type of disaster. Even a fire confined to a single room generates considerable damage throughout the entire building. Soot, smoke and combustion gases spread through ventilation ducts, stairwells and the smallest gaps. They contaminate areas sometimes far removed from the original source.

Typical fire damage:

Soot and carbon deposits on walls, ceilings, floors and furniture — a black, greasy and corrosive film that becomes embedded in the pores of materials.
Extremely persistent burning odours, trapped in textiles, paintwork, wood and even concrete.
Deformation and melting of plastic elements, electrical installations and equipment.
Toxic chemical residues from the combustion of synthetic materials (PVC, polyurethane foam, electrical cables).
Secondary water damage caused by firefighting efforts (water, foam), adding to the fire damage.

A fire, even a “small” one, can never be cleaned up with a simple cloth. Soot is corrosive: if not treated quickly, it attacks metal surfaces, oxidises electrical contacts and becomes permanently embedded in porous materials. At SOS Nettoyage, we know that every day of delay increases the final cost of restoration.

Water damage: the most common disaster in Switzerland

Water damage is the most frequent type of disaster in Swiss homes and buildings. Pipe leaks, burst pipes, washing machine overflows, roof infiltrations, rising water tables — the causes are numerous and the consequences can be disastrous.

Specific risks of water damage:

Infiltration into structures: water seeps into floor slabs, partition walls, insulation and screeds, causing invisible but deep damage.
Warping of parquet floors and lifting of floor coverings.
Mould: without rapid and complete drying, mould appears within just 24 to 48 hours. It represents a major health risk (allergies, respiratory problems).
Short circuits and electrical damage.
Damage to furniture, household appliances and personal belongings.

In Switzerland, harsh winters regularly cause frozen pipe bursts, particularly in mountain holiday homes that are not heated continuously. The damage can be considerable when a leak occurs in the owners’ absence.

Flooding: when nature exceeds expectations

Flooding — river overflow, flash floods, severe storms, excessive snowmelt — regularly affects Switzerland. The canton of Valais, the Lake Geneva basin, the Berne region and Central Switzerland are particularly exposed. Recent flooding episodes are a reminder that no one is immune.

Unlike “clean” water damage (mains water), flood water is contaminated: mud, silt, plant debris, hydrocarbons, bacteria, sewage — it requires a complete decontamination treatment. After the water and mud have been removed, professional cleaning and disinfection are essential to make the premises safe again.

Mould: the silent disaster

Mould is an insidious type of disaster. It often develops out of sight — behind furniture, beneath coverings, in false ceilings, inside walls — and can proliferate for months before being detected. By the time it is discovered, the contamination is often already advanced.

Main causes of mould in Switzerland:

Poorly dried or untreated water damage.
Insulation defects or thermal bridges causing condensation.
Insufficient ventilation (very common in older Swiss homes, especially after energy-efficiency renovations with airtight windows installed without mechanical ventilation).
Chronic infiltrations through the roof, facades or foundations.

Mould is not just a cosmetic problem. Certain species — notably Stachybotrys chartarum (toxic black mould) — release mycotoxins that are dangerous to health. Professional treatment is essential: it is not enough to simply “clean the visible part”. The source of moisture must be identified, the cause treated and thorough decontamination carried out.

Our 24/7 emergency response

When disaster strikes, it does not wait for office hours. That is why SOS Nettoyage has established an emergency response service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year round, including Swiss public holidays.

How does it work?

You call us. Our emergency line is active at all times. You briefly describe the situation.
We assess the priority. Depending on the nature of the disaster (fire, water, contamination), we determine the level of urgency and mobilise the appropriate team.
We arrive on site. Depending on your location in Western Switzerland, we can be at your premises within 2 to 6 hours for critical emergencies.
We secure the premises. First step: stop the damage from spreading (water extraction, ventilation, making the site safe).
We draw up an action plan. After a full assessment, we present you with a detailed intervention plan and a quote.

Our ability to respond quickly makes the difference between a disaster that is brought under control and one that worsens. In the case of water damage, for example, every hour counts to prevent mould development and limit structural damage.

The complete post-disaster cleaning process

Post-disaster cleaning follows a rigorous five-step process. Each step is essential to guarantee a complete, lasting result that meets health and safety standards.

Step 1: Securing and protecting the site

Before any cleaning begins, the site must be secured. This includes:

Shutting off supplies (electricity, gas, water) if necessary and not already done by the fire brigade or emergency services.
Cordoning off dangerous areas (weakened structures, collapse risks, presence of toxic substances).
Installing protective measures for unaffected areas: tarpaulins, plastic sheeting, protective tape.
Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) by our technicians: overalls, FFP2/FFP3 masks, gloves, safety goggles.

The safety of our teams and the occupants is our absolute priority. We never begin cleaning until the site has been secured.

Step 2: Assessment and technical diagnosis

This step is crucial. Our technicians carry out a complete diagnosis of the situation:

Mapping of affected areas: precise identification of the contamination perimeter.
Analysis of affected materials: concrete, wood, plaster, metal, textile, plastic — each material requires a specific treatment.
Moisture measurement (for water damage) using professional hygrometers and moisture detectors.
Assessment of health risks: presence of mould, asbestos (in older buildings), toxic substances.
Complete photographic documentation for the insurance file.

The diagnosis determines the intervention strategy, the techniques to deploy, the equipment needed, the number of technicians and the estimated duration of work. It also forms the basis for the detailed quote.

Step 3: Cleaning and decontamination

This is the core of our intervention. The techniques used vary depending on the type of disaster:

After a fire:

Industrial soot extraction using HEPA-filtered vacuums and specialist brushes.
Chemical cleaning of surfaces with degreasers and decontaminants specifically designed for soot.
Dry cleaning (chemical sponges, soot erasers) for delicate surfaces (paintwork, wallpaper, textiles).
High-pressure cleaning for exterior surfaces and basements.
Fogging (misting): spraying a fine mist of neutralising product throughout the entire volume to reach inaccessible areas.

After water damage or flooding:

Water extraction by pumping (submersible pumps) and suction.
Removal of irreparable materials: swollen plaster, waterlogged insulation, lifted floor coverings.
Technical drying with industrial dehumidifiers and axial fans, over several days if necessary.
Cleaning and disinfection of all surfaces with approved biocidal products.
Preventive antifungal treatment to prevent mould development.

Against mould:

Containment of the area to prevent spore dispersal.
Removal of contaminated materials (plaster, insulation, wood) if the contamination is deep.
Professional fungicidal treatment on salvageable surfaces.
Air purification using HEPA filtration.
Identification and treatment of the cause (moisture source) to prevent recurrence.

Step 4: Professional deodorisation

Odours after a disaster — particularly after a fire — are extremely persistent. They permeate walls, floors, ceilings, textiles and even the building’s structure. A simple air freshener only temporarily masks the problem.

At SOS Nettoyage, we use proven professional deodorisation technologies:

Ozone treatment (O3): an ozone generator produces this powerfully oxidising gas that destroys the molecules responsible for bad odours at a molecular level. Ozone penetrates everywhere — into the pores of materials, textiles, ventilation ducts — for deep deodorisation. The treatment is carried out in the absence of occupants, as ozone is harmful at high concentrations.
Neutralising product fogging: micro-droplets of deodorising product are diffused throughout the entire volume (including ventilation ducts, false ceilings, cavities). The odour molecules are chemically neutralised, not simply masked.
Photocatalytic oxidation: a cutting-edge technology using a catalyst activated by UV light to break down volatile organic compounds (VOCs) responsible for odours.
Thermal fogging: diffusion of deodorising product in the form of a warm mist that penetrates deeply into porous materials.

In severe cases (major fire), several treatment cycles may be required over a period of 2 to 4 weeks to completely eliminate odours.

Step 5: Restoration and reinstatement

The final step involves restoring the premises to make them habitable or operational again:

Painting of walls and ceilings (after applying an anti-odour and anti-stain primer if necessary).
Replacement of damaged floor coverings.
Restoration of joinery (doors, windows, skirting boards).
Thorough final clean similar to a post-construction clean to deliver impeccable premises.
Quality control with verification of the absence of residual contamination, odours and moisture.

SOS Nettoyage can manage the entire process from A to Z, or work in coordination with other trades (electricians, plumbers, painters) according to your needs and those of your insurance company.

The specialised techniques and equipment of SOS Nettoyage

Professional ozone generators

Our industrial-grade ozone generators are capable of treating large volumes — from a 3-room apartment to a multi-storey commercial building. Ozone (O3) is one of the most powerful oxidants in existence. It destroys bacteria, viruses, mould and odour molecules by oxidising them. After treatment, the ozone naturally breaks down into oxygen (O2), leaving no chemical residue.

Foggers and thermal foggers

Fogging involves transforming a liquid product into a mist of micro-droplets (2 to 50 microns) that settle everywhere, including the most inaccessible corners. Thermal fogging uses heat to create an even finer mist that behaves like a gas and penetrates the smallest cracks and cavities.

Industrial HEPA vacuums

Our industrial vacuums are equipped with HEPA H14 filters that capture 99.995% of particles 0.3 microns and larger. This is the standard used in clean rooms and hospital environments. For soot and mould cleaning, this filtration is essential to avoid re-dispersing contaminating particles into the air.

Industrial dehumidifiers and fans

For drying after water damage, we deploy condensation and adsorption dehumidifiers capable of extracting tens of litres of water per day, along with high-power axial fans to accelerate air circulation and structural drying.

Hot water high-pressure cleaners

Our hot water high-pressure cleaners (up to 200 bar, 90°C) are particularly effective for cleaning exterior surfaces, flooded basements, concrete floors and facades damaged by a disaster.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

The safety of our teams is non-negotiable. Depending on the type of disaster, our technicians wear:

Full overalls (Tyvek or equivalent)
FFP2 or FFP3 respiratory masks with activated carbon filters
Chemical-resistant gloves
Sealed safety goggles
Safety footwear

Insurance coverage in Switzerland

In Switzerland, the disaster insurance system is distinctive, and it is essential to understand it in order to optimise coverage for your post-disaster cleaning.

Cantonal insurance institutions (ECA)

In 19 of Switzerland’s 26 cantons, building insurance is compulsory and managed by a cantonal insurance institution (ECA) — a public monopoly. This is the case notably in the cantons of Vaud (ECA Vaud), Fribourg, Neuchâtel and Berne. The ECA covers damage to the building caused by fire and natural hazards (flooding, storms, hail, etc.).

What the ECA covers:

Damage to the building structure (walls, roof, fixed installations).
Cleaning and restoration costs related to insured damage.
Clearance and removal costs.

What the ECA generally does not cover:

Contents (furniture, personal effects, household appliances) — this is covered by household insurance.
Water damage of “domestic” origin (washing machine leak, blocked pipe) — this is covered by household insurance or liability insurance.

Cantons without an ECA

In the cantons of Genève, Ticino, Valais, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Schwyz, Uri and Obwalden, there is no ECA. Building insurance is private (but still compulsory in most cases). Property owners must insure with a private company (Zurich, Helvetia, AXA, La Mobilière, Allianz, etc.).

Household insurance (contents insurance)

Household insurance covers the contents of your home: furniture, clothing, electronic devices, personal belongings. It also covers the costs of cleaning furniture and personal effects after a disaster, as well as temporary rehousing costs if the property is uninhabitable.

How SOS Nettoyage facilitates your insurance process

We are accustomed to working with all Swiss insurance companies, whether cantonal or private. Here is how we support you:

Complete documentation: we produce a detailed photographic and descriptive report of the disaster and the work carried out, in accordance with insurers’ requirements.
Detailed, transparent quote: our quotes are structured to correspond to the insurance companies’ coverage categories.
Direct communication with your insurer if you wish: we can liaise directly with the expert appointed by your insurance company to validate the scope of intervention.
Separate invoicing if necessary: building / contents, to facilitate processing by different insurance companies.

Our advice: contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the disaster, before starting cleaning work (except for emergency measures to limit damage, which are always covered). Take photographs of the initial condition and keep all receipts.

Indicative rates for post-disaster cleaning in Switzerland

The cost of post-disaster cleaning is highly variable, as it depends on many factors: the nature of the disaster, the area affected, the severity of contamination, the materials involved, accessibility, urgency of intervention and the desired level of restoration.

At SOS Nettoyage, every intervention is subject to a free, personalised quote. However, here are indicative price ranges to give an idea of the scale:

Type of disaster	Price range (CHF)	Details
Minor water damage (1-2 rooms)	2’000 – 5’000	Water extraction, drying, cleaning
Medium water damage (apartment)	5’000 – 12’000	Technical drying included
Major water damage (building)	10’000 – 50’000+	Depending on number of affected units
Limited fire (1 room)	3’000 – 8’000	Soot cleaning + deodorisation
Medium fire (apartment)	8’000 – 20’000	Complete cleaning + partial restoration
Major fire	15’000 – 100’000+	Full decontamination + restoration
Mould treatment (limited area)	2’000 – 6’000	Depending on area and depth
Extensive mould treatment	5’000 – 15’000+	Complete decontamination
Flooding (basement / garage)	3’000 – 10’000	Pumping + cleaning + disinfection
Deodorisation only (ozone)	500 – 2’500	Depending on volume and number of cycles

Important: these rates are indicative and can vary considerably depending on the case. Only a bespoke quote, following an on-site assessment, can provide an accurate price. Contact us for your free quote.

Why choose SOS Nettoyage for your post-disaster cleaning?

Availability 24/7

We know that disaster does not wait. Our emergency service is reachable day and night, including weekends and public holidays. In Western Switzerland, we can be on site within a few hours.

Expertise and professional equipment

Our technicians are trained in decontamination and post-disaster cleaning techniques. We have all the necessary professional equipment: ozone generators, foggers, HEPA vacuums, industrial dehumidifiers, extraction pumps, high-pressure cleaners. We do not improvise — we apply proven protocols.

Comprehensive management

From the initial emergency response to the final restoration, SOS Nettoyage manages the entire process. You have a single point of contact, which greatly simplifies the management of an already stressful situation.

Collaboration with insurance companies

Our experience with Swiss insurers — cantonal ECAs and private companies — is a major asset for our clients. We facilitate the process and maximise coverage.

Coverage across Western Switzerland

We operate in all French-speaking cantons: Genève, Vaud, Neuchâtel, Fribourg, Valais, Jura and the French-speaking part of the canton of Berne. Whether you are in the city or in a rural area, we come to you.

Compliance with standards and environmental responsibility

We use approved products and comply with Swiss standards for contaminated waste management, wastewater discharge and environmental protection. Contaminated materials are disposed of through certified channels.

Practical advice: what to do immediately after a disaster

After a fire

Do not re-enter the premises until the fire brigade has given you authorisation.
Ventilate thoroughly as soon as possible (open all windows).
Do not touch electrical appliances until the installation has been inspected.
Photograph everything before moving anything (for insurance purposes).
Contact your insurance company within 24 hours.
Call SOS Nettoyage for an emergency response.

After water damage

Turn off the water supply at the source if possible (stop valve, main valve).
Turn off the electricity in flooded areas (at the circuit breaker, without walking through the water).
Raise furniture and valuables to limit damage.
Mop up and absorb as much water as possible with towels, buckets and cloths.
Photograph the damage for your insurance file.
Contact your insurance company and SOS Nettoyage promptly.

After discovering mould

Do not try to scrape or clean the mould yourself — you risk dispersing the spores throughout the entire property.
Ventilate the room in question.
Close doors to other rooms to limit the spread.
Do not cover the mould with paint or filler — this solves nothing.
Call SOS Nettoyage for a professional diagnosis and treatment.

Post-disaster cleaning and complementary services from SOS Nettoyage

Post-disaster cleaning shares many skills with industrial cleaning: the use of heavy equipment, management of large surface areas, handling of specialised chemicals, and adherence to strict safety protocols. At SOS Nettoyage, our experience in industrial cleaning strengthens our ability to manage large-scale disasters — warehouses, factories, office buildings, underground car parks.

Similarly, the final phase of our intervention is akin to a meticulous post-construction clean: after decontamination and any restoration work, we deliver premises in an impeccable state of cleanliness, ready to be reoccupied.

If your disaster has also affected the facade of your building — smoke marks, flame damage, dirty water splashes — we can incorporate facade cleaning into our overall intervention.

FAQ — Post-disaster cleaning

1. How quickly after a disaster should you intervene?

As quickly as possible. For water damage, intervention should take place within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mould development. After a fire, soot begins to corrode metal surfaces and become embedded in porous materials within the first few hours. At SOS Nettoyage, our 24/7 emergency service enables us to intervene within hours of your call.

2. Is post-disaster cleaning covered by insurance?

Yes, in the vast majority of cases. In Switzerland, building insurance (cantonal ECA or private insurance) covers cleaning and restoration costs after a fire or natural event. Household insurance covers contents. We help you compile your file and communicate with your insurer.

3. Can you stay in the property during post-disaster cleaning?

It depends on the severity of the disaster. For minor water damage, it is often possible to remain on site. However, after a fire or in the case of mould contamination, it is strongly inadvisable to stay during the intervention — particularly during ozone treatments, which require the complete evacuation of the property.

4. How long does post-disaster cleaning take?

The duration varies enormously depending on the extent of the damage: from 1 to 3 days for minor water damage to several weeks for a major fire. Technical drying after water damage alone can require 7 to 14 days of dehumidifier operation. We establish a provisional schedule from the initial diagnosis.

5. Is ozone treatment dangerous?

Ozone is a powerful oxidant that can be harmful at high concentrations. This is why the treatment is always carried out in the absence of occupants and pets. After treatment, we ventilate the premises and verify that the ozone concentration has returned to a safe level before allowing you to re-enter. Ozone naturally breaks down into oxygen within a few hours.

6. What is the difference between post-disaster cleaning and post-construction cleaning?

Post-construction cleaning deals with construction residues (dust, cement, paint). Post-disaster cleaning addresses contamination (soot, smoke, contaminated water, mould) and requires specific decontamination techniques (ozone, fogging, biocidal products). The skills are complementary, and SOS Nettoyage masters both.

7. Do you also work with businesses and commercial buildings?

Absolutely. We work with private individuals as well as businesses, shops, restaurants, hotels, industrial buildings and office buildings. For businesses, we understand the urgency of resuming operations and adapt our schedule to minimise disruption.

8. How can I obtain a quote for post-disaster cleaning?

Contact SOS Nettoyage by telephone or via our online form. In an emergency, we assess the damage directly on site and provide you with a free, no-obligation quote as quickly as possible. For urgent cases, first-response measures (securing the site, water extraction) are launched immediately, in parallel with preparing the quote.

Fire and Disaster Cleaning in Switzerland