Tips & Tricks

After fire damage to your home, your prompt action can minimize further damage. The safe, timely steps listed below can assist you in your home’s fire restoration process, allowing you to return your property to its pre-crisis condition. Incorrect actions can be costly mistakes. These “do’s” and “don’ts” are guidelines for your information and guidance.

Do’s

• Blow off or brush-vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery, drapes, and carpets.
• Cover carpeted traffic areas with towels or old lines to prevent additional soiling.
• Discard open food packages. The food could be contaminated.
• If electrical service is off, clean out your freezer and refrigerator. Leave the doors propped open or place charcoal in the unit.
• Send clothing with heavy smoke damage to a qualified professional dry cleaner.
• Clean formica and chrome fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom to prevent permanent tarnishing.
• Wipe residue from porcelain bath fixtures to prevent etching.
• Wipe the leaves of house plants to remove smoke residue.
• Change the air filter on your furnace if it uses forced hot air.
• Tape cheese cloth over intake and outlet air registers to capture any loose soot in the air. This is even more effective if the cheese cloth is damp.
• If the outside temperature is above 60 degrees, air out the house to reduce smoke odor.

Don’ts

• Do not attempt to wash any papered or flat painted walls without consulting your professional cleaner.
• Incorrect cleaning procedures could compound the residue problem, making soot removal more difficult.
• Do not attempt to clean carpets or upholstered furniture. Again, incorrect procedures could increase soot and smoke damage.
• Do not attempt to use electrical appliances that have been close to fire or water before having them checked. They could malfunction.
• Do not use ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. A short circuit could result.
• Do not touch anything. Soot on your hands can permeate upholstery, walls, and woodwork, causing further damage.
• Do not eat food that has been exposed to fire or smoke.
• Do not wait to call for professional help.