Dealing with the aftermath of a house fire is incredibly stressful. There’s a lot to clean up, after all. In addition to dealing with the things that were destroyed or damaged by the fire, you’ll need
The following are a few tips to take care of smoke damage after a fire. ©iStockphoto.com/ChrisPole
for doing so.
First, vacuum the home in order to get all the loose soot. Then, using heavy duty gloves, get a sponge and soak it in a solution containing a gallon of water and a tablespoon of TSP (Trisodium Phosphate cleaner). Wipe the areas affected with soot using hard and firm strokes. After doing so, go back over with a rag soaked in warm water. You may need to prime your walls and repaint them afterwards.
The smoke may have left an odor as well. You may need to clean furniture, walls and floors using white vinegar in order to remove the smoke smell. You can also leave a bowl of baking soda in each room to help absorb the smell.
Use these tips and contact us at Parker Young for more advice and help for what to do following a house fire.