After fire damage, it is natural for a person to want to clean a building or home and contents. Timely action can be a great help. It is also true that incorrect or delayed action can jeopardize or seriously impede satisfactory restoration.

It is not likely that you will require all procedures listed. Examine your situation and use those steps which common sense dictates.

DO….

• Clean and protect chrome trim on kitchen appliances with a light coating of Vaseline or other oil.
• Clean Formica and chrome fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom to prevent permanent tarnishing.
• Clean and protect smoked bathroom faucets, tub fitting and towel bars with light coating of oil.
• Blow off or brush-vacuum loose smoke particles from upholstery, drapes and carpets.
• Pour antifreeze in toilet bowls, sink and tubs to prevent freezing if heat is off in winter.
• Wash plants with water on both sides of leaves (water softener helps).
• Call plumber to drain heating system if heat is off in winter.
• Remove pets (especially birds) to clean environments.
• Cover carpeted traffic areas with towels or old linens to prevent additional soiling.
• Discard open food packages. The food could be contaminated.
• If electrical service is off, clean out freezer and refrigerator. Leave the doors propped open with a rolled towel or newspaper or place charcoal in the unit.
• Send clothing with heavy smoke damage to a qualified professional dry cleaner.
• Wipe residue from porcelain bath fixtures to prevent etching.
• Change the air filter on your furnace if it uses forced hot air and blower is operating.
• 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.

• Do not attempt to wash any papered or flat painted walls without consulting your professional cleaner. Incorrect cleaning procedures could compound the soot residue problem.
• Do not attempt to clean carpets or upholstered furniture. Again, incorrect procedures could increase damage.
• 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 Use upholstered furniture if it can be avoided.
• Do not Use exposed food items, or canned goods which have been subjected to excessive heat.
• Do not Use TVs, stereos, or electrical appliances until cleaned and checked.
• Do not Send smoked garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke and odor.