If part of your house has been salvaged after a fire, you’ll have a big task ahead of you. Unfortunately, if you can’t afford a clean up crew this task will be left up to you and your family. Some of your property may be damaged with soot, smoke, as well as chemicals and water from firefighter, so you’ll need a more sophisticated cleaning method. Here’s how you can start cleaning your home after a fire.

Before you Start Cleaning

You need to get permission to enter your home after a fire, so call the fire marshal. When you’re free to enter, assess all damage of what you want to keep, and what to throw away. Open all the windows in your home, and use fans to circulate the smoke and soot. Make sure to replace your air filter daily as you clean to keep the air fresh. 

If water was used to put out the fire, it’s better to hire professionals to assess the damage. It may also be best to hire a national restoration company to clean up if the damage is too severe. Make sure to contact your insurance company to hopefully get some money back.

Cleaning Smoke from Ceilings and Walls

Wear protective clothing like gloves, goggles, and a mask. It’s a good idea to wear clothing you won’t mind throwing out. Put a drop-cloth on the floor so your carpet won’t soak up and dirt, or soot. Once done, use a vacuum cleaner or sponge to clean the surface of your walls and ceiling. Depending how bad the damage is, look into replacing them. 

You may need a stronger chemical to take soot off the walls. Use Trisodium Phosphate (TSP), but wear gloves when using it. TSP is a harsh chemical that could irritate your skin and eye, but it will make your walls sparkle. Finally, deodorize your wall by using some soap and water, or vinegar and citrus.

Cleaning Smoke from Textiles

Drapes, upholstery, and carpet should first be cleaned with a vacuum. Don’t use an upright vacuum, because it will push the soot farther down into the fabric. Deodorize fabrics by diluting dishwashing detergent into the water and submerge everything in your bathtub. Allow to soak overnight. Then, hand wash with soap and water. For carpets, go to a professional cleaner as it will be too difficult to clean them yourself.

Clean Smoke from Clothing

It’s better to throw out clothing if you can afford to replace them, but if your favourite clothing item is covered in soot start by giving the garment a shake. Don’t brush the fabric, or it could force the soot particles deeper into the clothes. 

Now, wash your clothes. Depending on what clothing is damaged, you’ll need to use a different method. Pure polyester clothing may never return to its original state, and most other fabrics will take 5 days of washing to be restored. It’s a long process, but it avoids the outrageous cost of dry cleaning.

Cleaning Smoke from Furniture

Wood, leather, and fabric furniture need it’s own chemicals to properly clean and deodorize them.  Vacuum all the soot off first, and use the specific cleaner dedicated to that fabric. For example, wood needs to be wiped with a dry sponge, and polished. Fabric needs to be sprinkled with baking soda before you even start cleaning. Check the individual instructions for the material you need to clean before you attempt it.