When your home gets damaged by fire, it is the toughest thing to deal with. Not only is it overwhelming but also a very emotional time. Once the fire is out, safety should be the prime concern. The next step should be how to get the fire-damaged property cleaned. Fire damage cleaning is not a simple process, and it is important to hire the services of a reputable fire remediation company to do the necessary cleanup. Fire damage does not only happen from flames, it is also caused by smoke, soot, water (that is used to put out the fire), and then, in many cases,mold can also develop and make things worse.
Cleaning a fire-damaged property is not like regular house cleaning. It takes time, care, and the help of professionals such as Vortex Restoration. If it is done incorrectly, it can lead to more damage or even health risks.
This do’s and don’ts list will help you keep safe, protect your belongings, and start the recovery process in the right manner.
Do's when cleaning the fire-damaged property
Make sure that the property is safe to enter
Before you do anything, ascertain that the property is safe to enter.
- Check with the fire department to corroborate that the fire is fully out and it is safe to go back inside.
- Wear safety gear such as gloves, long sleeves, and strong shoes before you go inside the place.
- Watch for potential pitfalls such as weakened floors, exposed wires, broken glass, or any falling debris.
- Shut off electricity and gas if they have not already been turned off by emergency services.
Do not go inside the property if you smell gas or see structural damage, such as any leaning walls or a sagging ceiling. Call a professional for smoke damage cleaning and property restoration.
Get in touch with your insurance provider
After safety, the next step should be to contact your insurance provider.
- The claim process needs to be initiated as soon as possible; otherwise, distortions can creep in. A reputable fire remediation company can assist you with this process.
- Click the photos and videos of the areas that have been damaged and items before starting the cleanup process.
- Prepare a proper list that states which items have been damaged by fire.
Always reach out to the Professional Fire Damage Restoration Services
It is important to get help from experts as fire damage remediation is not a simple process.
- Fire restoration companies have the right kind of equipment as well as training to clean and remove smoke, soot, and water damage.
- They can remove odors, dry wet areas, and also prevent mold growth.
- Professionals also tell you what can be cleaned and what stuff can be saved. They will also guide you on what needs to be replaced.
Always go for a certified Fire remediation company that specializes in fire and smoke damage cleanup.
Ventilate the Home
Once you’re allowed back in safely:
- Let the fresh air circulate in the home
- You can use fans to get rid of smoke-filled air.
- If at all, it is safe, then run dehumidifiers to dry out moisture from fire hoses.
This will help reduce smoke odors and moisture buildup.
Clean Soot Properly
The black, powdery substance that is left behind after a fire incident is soot. It is not only toxic but also sticky.
- Use a dry sponge (such as a chemical sponge) to wipe the soot from walls, ceilings, and any other surfaces that have been exposed.
- You should use odor counteractive agents first, as this will smear the soot and make it easier to clean.
Now, start the cleaning process from the top. This means first clean the ceiling and then end the process by cleaning the floor.
Throw away all the contaminated stuff.
Many items can be too damaged or dangerous to keep.
- Food that is exposed to heat, smoke, or water should be thrown away.
- Medicines and cosmetics exposed to high temperatures or smoke may not be safe to use.
- Children’s toys or stuffed animals may need to be discarded if covered in soot or chemicals.
Be Patient
Cleaning up after a fire can take a long time. Take it step by step. There is no need to lose patience. Reach out to your family, friends, and professionals for help and guidance. Focus on safety and health first.
Don’t use regular household vacuum cleaners
Using a regular vacuum cleaner will spread soot particles into the air. This will put you at risk of exposure to harmful materials. Always use a HEPA-filter vacuum or restoration professionals to clean the place.
Don’t use water on electrical items
Appliances, electronics, and cords might look okay, but if they were exposed to water or heat, they can be dangerous. So, do not plug in or use these items until inspected by a licensed technician. Also, don’t pour water or cleaners on electronics. Keep all cords away from wet areas.
Don’t paint or seal over smoke damage
Painting over soot or smoke without cleaning properly will trap odors and stains. Always clean and deodorize first. Use a special primer for smoke-damaged surfaces before repainting.
Don’t handle hazardous materials without help
Fires can release or expose asbestos, lead paint, or other toxic chemicals, especially in older homes. Don’t disturb suspicious materials. Call in licensed hazardous material experts if needed.
Don’t try to do it all yourself
Trying to clean fire damage without expert help, such as Vortex Restoration experts, can lead to health problems and incomplete cleanup. These professionals are trained to spot hidden damage, like smoke in HVAC systems or water behind the walls. Let these experts handle deep cleaning, drying, and repairs when possible.
Final Thoughts
A fire can turn your life upside down, but recovery is possible. Knowing what to do and what not to do can help you in a big way. This is the reason why this guide has been created. Follow the tips and you will, without a doubt, be in a better place.
Take it one step at a time. With the right actions and support of Vortex Restoration experts, your home can be cleaned, restored, and made safe again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I clean soot off my walls myself after a fire?
You can handle light soot in a small area, but most homeowners make it worse. Soot is oily and acidic, so wiping it with a wet rag smears it deeper into paint and drywall. Pros start with a dry chemical sponge, then use degreasers matched to the type of smoke residue. If more than one room is affected or the soot is greasy, call a professional.
Is soot from a house fire toxic to breathe?
Yes, soot can be harmful. It carries fine particles and chemical residues from burned plastics, foams and building materials, and those particles go deep into the lungs. Children, older adults, and anyone with asthma or heart conditions are most at risk. Wear an N95 or better respirator, gloves and long sleeves if you have to enter, and keep vulnerable family members out until the air is cleaned.
Should I run my air conditioner or furnace after a fire?
No, not until the system has been inspected and cleaned. Running the HVAC spreads soot through every duct and into rooms the fire never touched. Leave the thermostat off, and ask your restoration company to check the filter, coils and ductwork. Smoke residue inside ducts is one of the most common reasons a home still smells like a fire long after the cleanup.
Is food in my fridge or pantry safe after a house fire?
Throw out any food that was exposed to heat, smoke, soot or firefighting water, including food in cardboard, plastic or paper packaging. Toxic fumes can get through those materials. Fridge food is also suspect if the power went out or smoke got inside the seals. The USDA advises discarding canned goods that bulged, rusted or got very hot. When in doubt, toss it.
How do I get the smoke smell out of clothes after a fire?
Do not just throw them in your washer, since normal detergent rarely removes smoke odor and heavy soot can stain or damage the machine. Shake off loose soot outside first. Smoke damaged clothing usually needs specialized laundering or dry cleaning with odor treatments. Restoration companies often handle soft goods as part of the contents cleaning, and much of it can be saved.
Can electronics be saved after smoke damage?
Sometimes. Soot is acidic and can corrode circuit boards over time, so the sooner electronics are cleaned, the better the odds. Do not plug in or power on anything that was near the fire or got wet. Unplug it, keep it dry, and let a restoration company or electronics specialist evaluate it. Items with sentimental data, like computers, are worth having looked at before you replace them.
What should I wear when I go back into a fire damaged house?
Wear an N95 respirator or better, heavy gloves, long sleeves, long pants, and sturdy closed toe boots with thick soles. Nails, glass and weakened floors are common hazards. Safety glasses help with falling ash. Only go in once the fire department says it is safe, and keep visits short. If you see sagging ceilings or smell gas, leave and call for help.
What can be salvaged after a house fire and what has to go?
Hard, nonporous items like metal, glass and solid wood furniture often clean up well. Mattresses, pillows, upholstered furniture and stuffed toys that took heavy soot or water are usually lost. Food, cosmetics and medicine exposed to heat or smoke should be thrown out. Photos, documents and artwork may be recoverable with specialized cleaning, so set those aside instead of tossing them.
Should I open the windows to air out my house after a fire?
Yes, if the structure is safe and the weather allows it, fresh air helps reduce odor and moisture. Use box fans to push air outward. Ventilation alone will not remove smoke odor that has soaked into walls, carpet and framing, though. That takes cleaning and deodorizing. During wildfire season in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, check outdoor air quality first so you do not pull more smoke inside.
Can my belongings be stored somewhere while the fire cleanup happens?
Yes. A packout moves salvageable contents out of the house so they can be cleaned and protected during demolition and rebuilding. We offer packout services with storage in a container on site or in our warehouse. Each item is inventoried, which helps you track what was saved and supports your insurance claim. Call 805-443-8055 to talk through what you need.
