Tips for fire victims facing clean up: It is important to begin clean up as soon as possible in order to prevent permanent damage or discoloration from soot residue. Practice safety first. Use a dust mask (like painters use) and gloves as you work. Ventilate the home. Place a box fan in an open window to draw the air and dust out. Clean from top to bottom. Start with the ceilings, walls and fixtures, and work your way down to the contents of the room, then to the floor. Vacuum floors and upholstery. Make sure your vacuum cleaner has a high efficiency filter. Otherwise, you risk blowing soot back into the air. Some draperies, clothing and machine-washable items may be laundered. Use a mild alkaline cleaner to neutralize the acid in the soot. Fine clothing should be dry cleaned. Most exterior walls (brick, stone, wood, paint, siding) and eaves can be cleaned by spraying with a detergent, agitating soot with a soft-bristled brush, pressure washing from bottom to top, then rinsing from top to bottom. If the damage and residue are heavy, it may be best to hire a professional to thoroughly restore your home and belongings. Check with your insurance company to see if smoke damage from outdoor sources is covered by your policy. If the fire has warped or distorted the structure, consult a licensed general contractor.
Posted on: Sat, 03 Aug 2013 12:30:00 +0000
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