3 Fire Cleanup Tips

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damaged property.

With proper cleaning, some property that has suffered smoke damage can be restored rather than replaced. These three fire cleanup tips can help you save some of your fire damaged property.

3 Tips For Fire Cleanup

1. Check the Labels on Your Clothing

Soot damage and odors can sometimes be removed from clothing by using products containing tri-sodium phosphate or bleach. However, these chemicals can damage some fabrics, so always read the labels on your clothing before using them. If the manufacturer's instructions indicate the clothing can be bleached, add four to six tablespoons of tri-sodium phosphate and one cup of bleach to every one gallon of warm water to be used for washing. As an alternative, you can add a tablespoon of pure vanilla extract to your regular laundry detergent.

2. Wash Your Walls To Remove Soot and Smoke

Mild soap or detergent or a mix of tri-sodium phosphate and bleach can be used to remove smoke damage from walls. Wear rubber gloves while working with these cleaners and clean one small area at a time. Start at the floor and work up to the ceiling to reduce streaking. Rinse surfaces with clear, warm water. Dry the walls thoroughly after smoke cleaning. Do not paint until the walls are completely dry. This technique can also be used to clean furniture and floors.

3. Replace Damaged Drywall and Insulation

Drywall and insulation that has become wet due to water used to put out a fire will not maintain structural integrity when dried out. You will need to have these materials removed and replaced to avoid potential mold problems. A fire mitigation team in Washington, NC, can assist you with drying out your property and removing any lingering odors, stains and other issues.

A fire in your home can leave behind smoke damage, soot and water. These tips can help you restore property that may otherwise need to be replaced.