Removing Fire and Smoke Damage
Cleaning up after a fire is a very detailed and time-consuming job. You will want to begin airing out as soon as possible. This will help dry out any wet fabrics and remove smoke. Use these steps to efficiently clean up a smoke and fire damaged structure.
Items Needed:
- Wet/dry vacuum
- Upholstery cleaner for fire/smoke damage
- Clean towels
- Plastic wrap and bags
- Paper towels
- Window cleaner
- Chemical-based wall cleaner
- Bags and boxes
- Fans
- Dehumidifier
- Brass cleaner if needed
- Dishwashing liquid
Directions
- Open the windows. You want to start airing your place out as soon as possible. If you have any working fans, plug them in to get your air circulating. If there is a lot of water damage, you will want to use a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air.
- Remove any wet items as soon as possible. This might not be possible with your carpet, but you can take out any wet clothing, rugs, curtains, etc. Wet items will develop mold and mildew if not dried out. If your carpets are soaked, using a wet/dry vacuum will help soak up soot and water. For clothing, wash and dry in your laundry machines as soon as possible.
- Cover any clean or dry items with plastic. This will protect them from the black soot.
- Clean any brass items with a brass cleaner. Follow the instructions on your cleaner.
- Remove all burnt items that are beyond repair. You can bag the smaller items or put them in a pile outside. Keep a box handy for items that you can still use.
- You will need to vacuum repeatedly during the clean up process. Soot is oily and hard to remove. Vacuum as much of it as you can to prevent it from smearing on other objects or getting into your carpet even worse.
- Ceramics and other similar items can be cleaned in a sink with dishwashing liquid and water.
- Upholstery will need to be cleaned with a special cleaning solution. You will want to use a carpet cleaner with attachments to clean thoroughly.
- For best results, use a chemical-based cleaner for your walls. You can locate these at your local home improvement store. Following the directions on the cleaner, clean your walls. After they have dried, use the window cleaner to clean all windows.