What to Do if You Have Fire or Smoke Damage:
- Area Rugs: remove or roll to prevent further contamination from walking.
- Food: Discard open food packages as the food could be contaminated.
- Refrigerator: After electricity has been turned off, clean out your freezer and refrigerator. Keep the doors open or place charcoal inside.
- Clothing: Use a professional dry cleaner to properly clean soiled clothing.
- Prevent Damage: Clean chrome or Formica in the kitchen and bathroom to prevent permanent damage or tarnishing. Wipe off the residue from porcelain and bath fixtures to prevent further damage or etching.
- Heating and Cooling System: change the air filter on your furnace if it uses forced hot air. Tape cheesecloth over intake and outlet air registers to capture any loose soot in the air.
- Odor: Air out the house if the temperature is over 60 degrees.
- Call right away for professional help. Soot and smoke damage continue to cause corrosion.
What Not to Do if You Have Fire or Smoke Damage:
- 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 electrical appliances that have been close to fire or water before having them checked. They could malfunction.
- Do not use ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. A short circuit could result.
- Do not touch anything. Oil on your hands can permeate upholstery, walls, and woodwork, causing further damage.