Spring usually brings the scent of flowers and fresh air. However, if your home recently survived a fire, your air might smell like old smoke. Fire damage changes everything about how you clean. Regular cleaning habits, such as using soap and elbow grease, usually do not work. This is because smoke and soot are not regular dirt. They are oily and tricky. Dealing with the aftermath of a fire is emotionally and physically difficult. Sometimes, it can feel like the house will never be truly clean again. But with the right tools and techniques, it can be. Spring is the perfect season for a fresh start, and that includes reclaiming your space from the mess the fire left behind.
Safety Comes First
Before you can even think about grabbing any cleaning supplies at all, you need to make sure the air in your home is safe to breathe. Fires release all kinds of toxins from plastics and building materials that you wouldn’t want in your lungs. Open all the windows, and have some large fans push all that bad air out of your home. As an added precaution, wear heavy gloves to keep the soot from being absorbed into your skin, and put on an N95 mask to protect your lungs. If the fire was major, make sure the house has been cleared by a structural engineer and the local fire department before you start cleaning.
The Great Outdoors: Tackling Soot
Once the air inside your home is moving, give some attention to the exterior. Soot is highly acidic. It loves to stick to everything, especially brick and windows. Do not use a regular hose to clean brickwork or other exterior surfaces. This turns the soot into black mud that can cause a permanent stain. Use a dry sponge or a dry-chemical sponge instead. These specific sponges are designed to lift the soot rather than smear it. If you have siding or brick that is caked with soot, you will need professional help.
Inside Action: Getting the Smells Out
When cleaning the walls inside your home, the same rule also applies for soot removal. Never use liquid because it will activate the oil in the soot and cause permanent stains. Use a dry-chemical sponge, and wipe in only one direction instead of going in circles.
For washable surfaces, such as countertops or hard floors, a solution of warm water, a degreasing dish soap, and white vinegar works well. It breaks down the smoke residue without ruining the finish. You need to clean furniture and rugs that got wet during the firefighting within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold from growing.
The cleaning process after a fire can be slow and exacting. But with patience and the right methods, you will begin to see the home you love emerge from the smoke. If you live in Bellingham, MA or a surrounding area and need fire damage services, make your first call to J Brian Day.
