First General Services of SE Minnesota

Damage Tips

DO'S

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being imbedded into upholstery and carpets.
• If handling items, wear gloves! The natural oils on our hands will set the soot and can make it harder to clean the soot off of contents, upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Brush-vacuum any loose soot particles from upholstery, drapes, and carpets.
• Cover carpeted traffic areas with towels or old linens to prevent additional soiling.
• Discard open food packages. The food could be contaminated. Canned Items can be affected as well.
• If electrical service is off, clean out your freezer and refrigerator. Leave the doors propped open or place charcoal in the unit. Charcoal is an odor absorber.
• Send clothing with heavy smoke damage to a qualified professional dry cleaner that specializes in smoke damage.
• Clean Formica and chrome fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom to prevent permanent tarnishing.
• Wipe residue from porcelain bath fixtures to prevent etching.
• Give houseplants a bath to remove smoke residue.
• Change the air filter on your furnace if it uses forced hot air.
• Tape cheesecloth over intake and outlet air registers to capture any loose soot in the air. This is even more effective if the cheesecloth is damp. If damp cheesecloth is used, don't let it come in contact with the carpet.
• If the outside temperature is above 60 degrees, air out the house to reduce smoke odor.

DON'TS

• Do not attempt to wash any papered or flat painted walls without consulting your professional cleaner. Incorrect cleaning procedures could compound the soot residue problem.
• Do not attempt to clean carpets or upholstered furniture. Again, incorrect procedures could increase damage.
• Do not use electrical appliances that have been close to fire or water before having them checked. They could malfunction.
• Do not use ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. A short circuit could result.
• Do not touch anything. Soot on your hands combined with the oil from our skin can permeate upholstery, walls, and woodwork, causing further damage.
• Do not eat food that has been exposed to fire or smoke.
• Do not wait to call for professional help.