Published on May 12th, 2023

Can You Clean a Fire-Damaged House?



A home fire can cause a lot of damage to your property, threatening not only the family's possessions, such as power tools, pants, shirts, and appliances, but also disrupting their life and safety. Fires can wreak havoc on the contents of your home, ruining food stored in the fridge, damaging fabrics and cosmetics, and leaving the lingering smell of smoke in the air. Smoke and soot can discolor walls and ceilings, while ash can ruin carpets, clothes, and furniture. The intense heat can warp metal fixtures, melt plastics, and damage the wiring components of your home, potentially impacting your heating system and even the roof structure. Additionally, items in the freezer may be affected, and mold can become a problem due to water damage, affecting the skin and overall health. The level of disaster your home experiences depends on the extent of the fire and the effectiveness of your smoke detectors and filters.

However, it is possible to clean a fire-damaged house, and many homeowners choose to undertake this job rather than start from scratch, to preserve their belongings and ensure the safety of their loved ones. The first step is to wear protective clothing, as soot can be very harmful to your lungs and overall health. With plenty of safety measures in place, you can start the recovery process guided by your own experience or by consulting people who have dealt with similar situations. Various methods and action plans can help you with the task of cleaning and making the necessary repairs.

Next, an inspection of your home may reveal areas that need to be prioritized. Use warm water and an all-purpose cleaner to scrub down all of the surfaces in the house. Be sure to pay special attention to areas where soot has accumulated, including carpets, roofs, and walls. Family members and firefighters may have unknowingly tracked ash and soot throughout the home, affecting various items in every corner of your home.

You may also need to use a strong degreaser on kitchen surfaces that have been damaged by heat or smoke. With some elbow grease, you should be able to clean not only the visible damage but also remove smoke odors to improve the air quality in your fire-damaged house and make it feel like home again.

Who Cleans Up After a House Fire?

The fire department does not include fire damage restoration in their services, so it is up to the homeowner to find a specialist to restore their homes in order to preserve their belongings and ensure their safety. Professionals in this field have received extensive training and know how to handle anything they encounter at the site of the incident.

Fire damage restoration specialists are trained to clean and repair homes that have been damaged by fire, smoke, and soot. They also address smoke damage which can affect more than just the appearance of your walls and ceilings. They carefully assess the content and structural integrity of the house to ensure proper restoration.

They will work with the insurance company to determine the extent of the damage and create a plan to restore your home to its pre-fire condition.

The fire damage restoration process can be complex and time-consuming, but it is essential to get started as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure the health and safety of your family.

Important steps for fire damage cleanup

1. Cleaning the Exterior

Start by removing all the soot and smoke from the exterior of the house. This can be done with a pressure washer or by scrubbing with a stiff brush and some soapy water.

Once the soot is gone, you'll need to remove any dust and debris that has accumulated on the outside of the house, including around windows and doors.

Before you begin cleaning, equip yourself with work gloves and protective shoes to maintain safety. It's important to employ the right techniques and tools during the restoration process to ensure a successful recovery from the fire's impact. A garden hose with a nozzle attachment can be used to blast away loose dirt, and a broom can be used to sweep up any remaining fire extinguisher dust. In cases where there's extensive damage to your furnishings, you may need to enlist the help of a professional restoration company to handle the aftermath of a blaze.

2. Inspecting the Interior Surfaces

One of the first things you should do after a fire is to clean and inspect the interior surfaces of your home, including everything from the walls to the carpet. Keep an eye out for mildew growth, as it can compromise the integrity of your surfaces.

Smoke particles can settle on surfaces and cause unpleasant odors. In addition, standing water, even just a gallon, can damage flooring and other materials. It is essential to use fans to speed up the drying process and prevent mold and mildew growth. Lay down tarps or plastic sheeting to protect surfaces while cleaning.

The best way to clean smoke-damaged surfaces is to use a damp cloth or sponge with soap to wipe them down while wearing rubber gloves to protect your hands. Then, follow up with a solution of one cup of water mixed with a cup of vinegar for a thorough cleaning.

Once you have cleaned all the surfaces, be sure to inspect them for any damage. If you find any areas that are damaged, be sure to repair them before using the surface again. Take the time to look closely at each surface to ensure it is ready for use, using the latest techniques and advice from professionals.

How to Clean Fire-Damaged Walls & Hard Floors

When it comes to cleaning fire-damaged walls and hard floors, it's important to use the proper equipment.

This includes a HEPA vacuum cleaner with disposable bags, gloves, goggles, and a respirator.

You'll also need a stiff brush, a mild detergent, and clean water. Start by vacuuming all of the surfaces to remove any loose soot and debris. Then, using the brush and detergent, scrub the surfaces clean.

Finally, rinse with clean water and dry completely. Keep in mind that you'll also need to remove the attic and wall insulation that has been damaged by the fire.

Consider A Cash Offer For Your Property As Is

If you're contemplating selling your fire-damaged home hassle-free, consider a cash offer for your house as-is. Dealing with a fire incident can be overwhelming, and the last thing you want is to add more stress by going through a lengthy and complicated selling process. Opting for a cash offer means you can sell your home in its current condition without the need for extensive repairs or renovations. This can save you time, money, and effort, allowing you to move forward more quickly. Steps to sell your fire-damaged home hassle-free involve reaching out to reputable cash home buyers who specialize in buying properties in any condition. They will assess your property and provide you with a fair cash offer, simplifying the entire selling process. By accepting a cash offer, you can alleviate the burden of dealing with a fire-damaged house and focus on starting anew with peace of mind.

A Solution To Consider

The restoration process of a fire-damaged house can be a daunting task. Not only are there obvious issues of building damage, but there is also the smoke and soot damage to contend with.

Additionally, a strong smoke odor can last long after the fire is extinguished. However, with the help of professional restoration services, it is possible to return your home to its former glory.

Restoration experts will work to repair any structural damage and replace any damaged building materials. They will also clean and deodorize your home, making it safe and livable once again.

While the fire restoration process may be challenging, the end result is worth the effort, giving you back the home you love.