SmartHomeOwners

Smoke and fire damage can leave undeniable blemishes in a home.  While some homes may seem too far gone to restore, there are homes that can be restored.  It just takes time, hard work and the right equipment to accomplish the goal. Here are some basic guidelines to follow if you've experienced a home fire recently.

Basic Steps to Repair

For removal of loose soot particles, use a blower or brush vacuum for carpet, drapes and upholstery.  Then cover your carpeted areas where there will be traffic to prevent further soiling.  Throw away any open food packages; these could be contaminated.  If there's no electricity, clean out your refrigerator and freezer thoroughly and then leave open to prevent mildewing. Place charcoal inside if you must leave the units closed.  All clothing that has heavy smoke damage should be taken to a professional dry cleaning service. Dry cleaners are equipped to properly remove smoke from clothing.  Chrome and Formica fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom should be cleaned well to remove soot and prevent tarnishing.  Be sure to wipe any residue from bath fixtures that are porcelain to prevent etching.

If you have house plants, wipe any residue from their leaves to keep them alive.  Air filters in your furnace should be changed immediately if your unit operates using forced hot air.  You should also change the filters again after a thorough home cleaning and restoration, as soot particles will be in the air.  You can also tape a thin, damp cloth over your intake/outlet air registers to capture loose soot remaining in the air.

Some Things to Avoid

We've talked about some things you can do to minimize the effects of smoke and fire damage.  Now, there are some things to avoid.  Don't attempt to wash walls without first speaking with a professional cleaner.  Using the wrong cleaning solutions or methods can worsen the problem.  Avoid cleaning furniture or carpets until you know how to do this task properly.  Electrical appliances that have been exposed to extreme heat should be checked by an electrician for possible damage before use.  Ceiling fans should remain off if the ceiling is wet because they could short circuit and cause another fire.  Avoid touching soot-covered items; soot can spread easily to furniture and appliances and cause further damage.

These tips are meant to help you prepare for a complete fire damage restoration of your home, but you will likely need the services of a professional to complete the job.  Don't lose hope....your home may still have many years of enjoyment remaining if you follow these helpful tips!