Cleaning Up After A Fire (2024)

FAQs

What do you use to clean up after a fire? ›

Use a damp mop or cloth to clean away visible dust in the house. Do not use harsh chemical cleaners or vinegar as they can react with chemicals in the ash. Soap and water are adequate to clean ash from hard surfaces. Soft surfaces and fabrics should be laundered or discarded.

To remove soot and smoke from walls, furniture and floors, use a mild soap or detergent or mix together 4 to 6 tbsp. tri-sodium phosphate and 1 cup household cleaner or chlorine bleach to every gallon of warm water. Wear rubber gloves. Be sure to rinse surfaces with clear warm water and dry thoroughly.

As the homeowner, you're responsible for clearing debris from your property after a fire. The good news is coverage for debris removal is included in most homeowners insurance policies.

Contact your insurance company right away and ask them what to do first. There are companies that specialize in cleaning and restoring your personal items. Ask your insurance company for recommendations of companies you can trust. Make sure you know if you or your insurance company will pay for the cleaning.

The Fire Damage Cleanup Process

It is a multi-step process that addresses structural damage, stain removal, upholstery cleaning, smoke damage, hard surface cleaning, and more. Depending on the heat produced by the fire and the severity of the blaze, it is possible that your property sustained structural damage as well.

CDPHE recommends air cleaners with HEPA filters for particles and activated carbon filters for volatile organic compounds such as benzene. Keep air cleaners on until the smells go away.

Returning home safely post-wildfire

Before returning home ALWAYS check with officials that it's safe to do so. Once home, perform these safety checks: Look for hot spots, smoldering areas, and vegetation on your property. Inspect the roof and outer parts of your house for any sparks or embers.

What is the action after a fire? ›

Close doors behind you. If smoke, heat or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with doors closed. Place a wet towel under the door and call the fire department or 9-1-1. Open a window and wave a brightly colored cloth or flashlight to signal for help.

Ash is what's left after something has been burned by a fire. You need to clean the ash out of a wood stove or fireplace every once in a while. After you burn wood in a fire pit or in a bonfire on the beach, there's ash left behind.

Ventilate the area by opening all doors and windows. Remove soot from all surfaces using a dry or slightly damp cloth. Wash all surfaces with soap and water, then rinse with clean water. Vacuum floors, upholstered furniture, and curtains using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove soot particles.

What should be thrown away after a fire? Anything that was openly exposed to any chemicals used by firefighters is probably best to be thrown away. Perishable food or any food that is not sealed may possess health risks if not disposed of.

Glass, Metal & Ceramics

These materials are surprisingly resilient and may be easier to salvage than you think. In fact, non-porous glass and metal may simply need to be cleaned with vinegar or dish soap. Ceramics are more porous and might require a deeper professional cleaning.

To remove soot and smoke stains: Mix 80 – 100ml Sugar Soap with 4 litres of water in a bucket. Using protective glasses and rubber gloves, wash a small area at a time. Since soot will deposit on the ceiling and upper parts of walls, work from the ceiling down.

CDPHE recommends air cleaners with HEPA filters for particles and activated carbon filters for volatile organic compounds such as benzene. Keep air cleaners on until the smells go away. Do not use ozone generators in occupied homes.

“Activated charcoal also is an option to help absorb odors. Use it like you would baking soda and place it in bowls around the house for several days. Keep closet doors open, as well as other doors you may typically keep closed. Include kitchen and bathroom cabinets, too,” she said.