Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500007
06/24/03
Cleaning Wood Furniture After A Fire
If burns are not too severe, they may be sanded and
the furniture refinished. The furniture should be
thoroughly dry before restoration. When there is only
smoke damage, use a solvent to clean furniture. For most
finishes on furniture, denatured alcohol or paint thinner
will help to clean smoke from furniture.
These and other solvents are very flammable. Work
outdoors if possible, or in a well-ventilated room with
open windows. Be absolutely sure there is no flame or
spark anywhere in the area where it could ignite vapors
from solvents--no flame, pilot light, spark, and no
smoking. Discard cloths in tightly closed metal can, in
trash. You don't want to start another fire! Also avoid
breathing vapors while working. Read labels on solvents
and follow directions.
Do a small section at a time. Apply solvent to a
rough surface cloth, such as a hand towel and rub
thoroughly. Use 3/0 steel wool for carvings. After
cleaning, go over surface with a damp cloth. Dry with
another cloth.
After furniture dries, wax or polish it with a
recommended wax or polish. Several commercial products
can clean smoke from furniture. To clean, do not use a
product that contains wax or polish.
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
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
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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 .