A house fire is an unfortunate and destructive event that can happen to anyone. Fires can start from something as basic as an electrical wiring fault to portable heaters being left unattended and cause an uncontrollable blaze that burns the home down. Putting the fire out safely is the first step in the restoration process. Post-fire house cleanup can be extremely gruelling and draining, both physically and emotionally.
That said, if you find yourself in such a scenario, take a deep breath. While the job will be difficult, we will talk about some tips you can follow to ensure that you effectively and quickly clean up your home after a fire.
1) Protect Yourself and Stay Safe
A home is a dangerous place after a fire. From the particles in the air to the debris on the floor, there are many ways to get injured. For that reason, it is highly recommended that you employ as many safety precautions as possible before working. Safeguard the area and make sure it is well ventilated. Wear eye protection, gloves, and a mask to keep your body safe and only do this once you have been given the all-clear from the proper authorities.
2) Clearing Debris and Trash
The first thing you should do once you have received the all-clear to enter your home is to remove the trash and other debris. This will allow you to make space for other activities, which we will get into later on.
If you believe that the environment is too dangerous to work in, you can also contact professional cleanup services to do the job for you. If you are doing it by yourself, keep an eye out for clothes, curtains, and other fabrics. If they are not burnt, they might have other forms of damage (like mould and mildew growth).
3) Remove the Soot
With the home cleared out of debris, the next job is to clear out all the soot. Soot is the residue left behind by the fire, and it can be cleaned out using a cleaning solution, some water, and a soft sponge. You can use a trisodium phosphate cleaning solution to remove soot from the walls.
For furniture and other fixtures, you can do the same. Be sure to do this thoroughly to remove not only the soot but the smell, too. Once everything is cleaned, be sure to leave the room to air dry. If there is any lingering smoke-like smell, have the professionals take care of it for you.
4) Hire Professionals
We have mentioned this a few times throughout our articles, but it is important to reiterate: professionals are equipped with the gear and skills to clean your home thoroughly. If you face any trouble doing it yourself, do not be afraid to employ their services. They will do the job thoroughly, salvaging what can be salvaged, throwing what needs to be thrown, and restoring the home as best as they can.
Conclusion
Fire is destructive and, more often than not, can leave a home in ruins. If you are lucky enough that your home is still mostly intact after a fire, follow the tips we shared with you. It will help you clean your home up thoroughly.
However, remember that professionals are available to do this job for you. They will do the work of making your home livable again! Just be sure to find out more about the company with which you want to work.
Nationwide Restorations is an industry leader in disaster recovery and damage restoration, restoring properties to their normal state as fast as possible. If you need restoration services in Edmonton, reach out to us today!
Visit us at www.nationwiderestorations.ca or call us at 1 844-364-9433