When a home or business is damaged by fire, the resulting damage can be devastating. Besides the obvious damage caused by flames and smoke, there is often a lot of water and ash that needs to be cleaned up as well. Many homeowners insurance policies cover the cost of removing debris and other items that have been damaged by the fire, such as broken windows and melted furniture.
Fire cleanup starts with a thorough inspection of the property to determine all areas that need cleaning and what can be salvaged. The severity of the damage will impact what cleaning methods are used, and repainting may be needed for areas with more severe damage.
It’s important to wear protective clothing, such as closed-toe shoes or boots, long pants, and gloves, as soot can be scratchy and may contain contaminants that could irritate your skin and respiratory system. It’s also a good idea to have a respirator and mask, especially if you have any pre-existing breathing conditions.
Soot and ash should be removed as quickly as possible to avoid further damage. Using a brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner will remove loose particles. Rubbing alcohol and vinegar are effective at reducing soot buildup, and they can help to reduce any lingering smells. fire cleanup