- 1). Contact the local fire marshal to request a safe entry release. The fire marshal prevents entry if there is a question about safety in the home. Talk with the insurance company to see what can be salvaged. Insurance companies often require having a representative on-site to assess the damage for claims during the first few days of cleanup. Bring cleaning supplies to the location when the fire marshal and insurance company give clearance to enter.
- 2). Circulate the air inside the home---this is the most important step as everything that is wet can lead to mold. Run a dehumidifier and shut all the windows. Use a fan to aid in the air movement. If the weather is cold, and assuming the furnace is functional, run the furnace as normal, but change the filter daily until the filter is clear of soot.
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Care must be taken when vacuuming soot.vacuum cleaner image by vb_photo from Fotolia.com
Vacuum the carpets carefully with a shop vac. Place the hose just above the carpet, versus placing it directly onto the carpet---this prevents the soot from grinding into the fibers. Cover the carpet with plastic to prevent additional mess after cleaning. - 4
Oil will clean and prevent damage to the doorknob.door knob image by Michael Shake from Fotolia.com
Take apart hinges, locks, doorknobs and keyholes and wipe with oil. If any of these cannot be taken apart, squeeze machine oil into the locations. - 5). Clean the walls with non-water-based cleaner, paint thinner or rubbing alcohol. Purchase a chemical sponge at a hardware store; they are ideal for smoke and soot removal. Create a solution of hot water and borax to rid wood of mold. Clean every area in the home thoroughly.
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