| Cleaning Furnishings and Clothing |
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After deodorizing, it's time to clean household textiles. Take nonwashable clothing and draperies to a dry cleaner for traditional dry cleaning or a special cleaning process. Wash regular clothing in warm water with a liquid detergent. Several launderings may be needed. Have carpets cleaned twice—both before and after repairs. Wet carpets must be dried before cleaning. In some cases, removal of carpet is necessary for complete drying and to save the wood floor beneath. Cleaning Soot Stains from Walls If possible, use a chemical sponge available from a cleaning supply company or some other non-water-based cleaner to clean soot from walls. Paint thinner or rubbing alcohol may work, but use with caution because of toxicity and fumes. Wear rubber gloves, open all windows and use an electric fan to increase ventilation while working. Removing Smoke Odor from the HomeDuring a fire, smoke can permeate walls and other surfaces and drift through household ducts, where it becomes trapped. If not properly removed, smoke odor reoccurs from time to time, especially during warm or damp weather. Consult professional restorers about a process known as "thermal fogging." This warm chemical fog penetrates your home and walls just as the fire did, neutralizing the smoke odor as it goes. Consult restorers about smoke removal from ducts. They may use a chemical sealer to secure smoke permanently to the sides of ducts since these areas, with their joints and crevices, may be difficult to clean with conventional vacuum-and-brush methods. Consider replacement of attic insulation. Insulation may retain odors. |