After the devastation or destruction of a fire, you can be left with a huge mess to deal with. After getting rid of all destroyed property, you are left with the task of cleaning up the walls to prevent the smoke and soot from becoming permanent stains. Before you start cleaning the walls, make sure you have the following necessary requirements:
- A ladder
- A chemical dry cleaning sponge
- A fan for ventilation
- Safety glasses
- Apron
- A soft cloth or sponge
- A drop cloth
The Cleaning process:
Step 1: Put on Safety Gear
This is the most important step you should take into consideration as you prepare to start the cleaning process. Wear the rubber gloves, safety gloves, and apron, and nose mask before you start working for your own protection.
Step 2: Ventilate the Area and Protect the Floor
To protect yourself from the harsh vapours coming from smoke and cleaning products, you will surely need ample air circulation while doing the cleaning. For perfect air circulation, make sure you open all the windows and install the fan before you proceed with the other steps.
To avoid transferring or spreading more stains to the floor, it is very advisable for you to lay a drop cloth under the entire working area.
Step 3: Wipe the Walls
Using the chemical dry cleaning sponge, wipe the walls slowly and carefully. Whenever the sponge becomes saturated with soot or smoke, wash and let it dry a bit before you continue. Repeat the process until most of the soot is removed. To get the best results, make sure you wipe the walls from top to bottom and side to side. Use a ladder to help you reach high areas.
Step 4: Remove the Stubborn Stains and the Smoke Odour
After you are through with wiping the walls using the chemical dry cleaning sponge, you might realise that there are still some stubborn stains on the walls. Dip a regular sponge or soft cloth into a painting thinner or rubbing alcohol and then rub it gently over the walls until you make sure that all the stubborn soot stains are gone.
After removing all the soot stains from the fire-damaged walls, it is also very important for you to get rid of the unpleasant smoke odour. You can do this effectively by using a suitable wall cleanser that smells nicely like orange, strawberry, or pineapple.
Step 5: Allow the Walls to Dry
Once you are through with the cleaning process, allow the walls to dry before you start thinking of repainting or redecoration.
All the above steps are meant to help you in cleaning fire-damaged walls in the event of minor fire damage. In case of extensive fire damage, you should get in touch with your local fire company. Fire companies are known to have professional experts trained on how to restore walls and buildings damaged by fire in the best way possible.
