After a fire, it is natural to want to clean up. Timely action is a great help, but incorrect or delayed action seriously impedes satisfactory results.
Do...
Contact a certified Fire Restoration contractor.
Keep children, elderly adults, individuals with asthma and pets (especially birds) away from the area.
Limit the movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being impregnated into the upholstery and carpets. Cover carpeted areas with towels or old linens to prevent additional damage. Oils from hands can cause additional damage.
Open windows for ventilation if temperature is above 60º.
If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely. Prop open or put charcoal inside.
Discard any open food packages, as they may be contaminated.
Replace furnace filter.
If using furnace, tape double layers of damp cheesecloth over all air registers to capture any loose soot in the air.
Blow off or brush loose smoke particles from the upholstery, drapes and carpet, making sure tools do not come in contact with fabrics.
Wash plants with water on both sides of leaves and remove top 1" of soil.
Clean and protect chrome trim on kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures, towel bars, etc. with a coating of Vaseline® or other oil to prevent permanent tarnishing or etching.
Send clothing with heavy smoke damage to a professional restoration cleaner rather than any dry cleaner.
Don't...
Wash any papered or flat painted walls without consulting your professional cleaner. Incorrect cleaning procedures could compound the soot residue problem and oil from your skin could cause additional damage.
Use food exposed to heat or smoke as they may be contaminated.
Use computers, TV's, stereos or electrical appliances until they have been cleaned and checked.
Use do-it-yourself carpet or upholstery cleaners.
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