A house fire is a scary experience, and cleaning up afterward can feel overwhelming. The first thing to do is contact your home insurance company to report the damage. Then, you’ll need to carefully inspect your home to see what needs repairs or removal. If your home recently had a fire, here’s the best way to clean it up and make it safe again.
Can a House Be Saved After a Fire?
Whether a house can be saved after a fire depends on how bad the damage is. A contractor can inspect your home and tell you what can be fixed and what needs to be replaced. If major parts of the house, like the roof or structure, are damaged, repairs could take time and cost a lot.
Before you start cleaning, remove burned debris and ash. Then, scrub the walls and floors to get rid of stains and soot. Make sure to wear an N95 mask to avoid breathing in dangerous particles.
How To Clean After a Fire
Before cleaning, check your home for three types of damage:
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Fire damage – Burned areas that need repairs or removal
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Smoke damage – Soot and strong smells that need deep cleaning
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Water damage – Water from firefighting efforts that can lead to mold
Knowing what kind of damage you’re dealing with helps you clean up the right way and avoid missing any areas.
Checklist for Cleaning After a Fire
Make a checklist to stay organized while cleaning. Here are some important steps:
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Remove all debris from the house
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Get rid of standing water to prevent mold
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Replace water-damaged items that can’t be saved
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Check for soot and smoke residue in vents and wipe down surfaces
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Throw out items that can’t be cleaned, like burned clothes, books, and kitchenware
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Open windows to get fresh air inside
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Use fans and dehumidifiers to help dry out the home
If the cleanup is too much to handle alone, consider hiring fire damage restoration professionals for help.
How To Clean the Outside of Your Home
Don’t forget about the exterior of your home when cleaning up after a fire. Focus on these areas:
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The roof – Check for damage and clean off any debris
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Entryways – Sweep and clean the front door and walkways
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Outdoor areas – Wash patios, driveways, and other surfaces
A pressure washer is great for cleaning soot and dirt. If you don’t have one, use a mix of borax and water with a stiff brush to scrub outdoor surfaces.
How To Clean the Inside of Your Home
Cleaning inside the home takes time, so go step by step. Start from the ceilings and walls, then move to the floors. Other areas to clean include:
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Hard surfaces like tables and shelves
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Carpets and rugs that may hold smoke odors
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Countertops and kitchen surfaces
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Bedroom furniture
What To Throw Away After a Fire
Not everything can be saved after a fire. Some items are unsafe to keep, so throw these away:
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Food – Heat and smoke can make food unsafe to eat
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Burned clothing – Even if washed, it may still be damaged
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Furniture – If soaked with water or burned, it might not be safe to use
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Medicine – High heat can make medications unsafe
Rent a Dumpster for Easy Cleanup
A dumpster rental can help you organize and remove waste after a house fire. A 20-yard dumpster is a good size for handling large debris, like damaged furniture, burned wood, and ruined household items.
At Vine Disposal, we know how tough fire cleanup can be. To make the process easier, rent a dumpster so you can remove waste quickly and safely. Contact us today to find the right dumpster for your cleanup needs.