Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500006
06/24/03
Cleaning Walls and Hard Surfaces After A Fire
Professionals use a heavy-duty suction machine to remove
tough soil from walls and ceilings. A homeowner may use a
vacuum wall brush attachment, emptying or changing the
bag often. You may need to clean the wall brush in suds,
rinsing and drying thoroughly before using again on clean
surfaces; or buy a new brush.
Next treat clinging soot by applying the type of
absorbent putty used to clean wallpaper. Then washable
surfaces should be washed with suds. If repainting is
needed this preliminary cleaning is vital because paint
or varnish will not adhere to soil. Use moderately-strong
alkali solution such as 2 tablespoons to a gallon of
water of washing soda, trisodium phosphate or ammonia,
for soil-based soot if soot does not come off readily
with regular suds. May need to apply a sealer compound
such as "BIN" before repainting (see "REMOVING SMOKE
ODORS AFTER A FIRE" under ODOR.
Wash windows, mirrors and lighting fixtures with
lukewarm suds, adding a little ammonia to both the suds
and rinse water.
If woodwork is refinished with paint or enamel,
pretreat and suds the same as walls.
Heat causes most plastics to melt and fuse. If there
is no heat damage, smoke and water have little or no
serious effect and plastics can be washed with suds.
Wash porcelain enamel with hot suds. A special
cleaner of the type used for automobiles may be needed to
remove heavy smoke discoloration.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus, with references from Arkansas
Extension bulletin How to Clean House After a Fire.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
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Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .