Fire Damage? How to Start the Cleaning Process

10/21/2019 (Permalink)

Calling SERVPRO of Eatontown/Long Branch helped this homeowner clean up after a fire.

If you’ve experienced fire damage in your home or business, you’ve undoubtedly observed that smoke and soot can unfortunately damage almost all kinds of surfaces and materials. While some items are easy to replace, it’s a good idea to try to salvage as much as you can.

The good news is: there are many fire damaged items you can clean (or at least start to clean) all by yourself with easily available cleansers and cleaning techniques. In fact, it’s a good idea to get started cleaning as quickly as you can, in order to prevent the effects of long-term damage. However in most cases, CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY, everything from cleaning to replacement is most likely covered.

Here’s a guide to help you get started cleaning up after a fire:

Remove Smoke and Soot Stains from Wood

As long as your wooden items aren’t charred, you should be able to clean them with a mild oil soap. Rinse with water, and let them air dry.

Remove Smoke and Soot Stains from Upholstery

If you can remove stained upholstery, bring it to a dry cleaner that specializes in cleaning fire damaged fabrics. At home, you could try washing it in a solution of water mixed with white vinegar and baking soda.

If you have upholstery that’s can’t be removed, start by vacuuming the surface with a shop vac, keeping the hose just above the surface to prevent rubbing in the stain even more. Next, sprinkle the stain with baking soda and allow it to sit for at least one hour. Then, spray the stain with white vinegar and wipe with a damp rag.

For hard-to-clean stains, you may have to let the baking soda sit longer (sometimes overnight) and/or repeat the cleaning process multiple times.

Remove Smoke and Soot Stains from Metal

When cleaning metal, you want to be sure to use a polish that is specially designed for the specific type of metal you have. Typically, the process is just to gently rub the stain with the polish and then wipe away with a clean rag, but be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Remove Smoke and Soot Stains from Glass

To clean glass, you can often use a commercial glass cleaner or a homemade solution of one-part water to one-part vinegar. You’ll want to avoid spraying the glass, as this can leave smoke streaks. Instead, apply the solution to the rag and start wiping at the edge of the stain moving inward.

Remove Smoke and Soot Stains from Leather

You can clean fire damaged leather with a specialized leather soap and conditioner.

You want to be sure not to get the leather too wet, as this can create additional stains. Also, you’ll want to apply the soap gently to avoid scratching the leather.

If you need help to restore your property after fire damage, SERVPRO of Eatontown/Long Branch is always available to help.