For those with smoke and/or chemical damage from the wildfires

Cleaning up after a wildfire, whether for interior or exterior surfaces, involves dealing with not just soot, ash, and smoke odors, but also the chemicals that were used to fight the wildfire. Firefighting agents, such as fire retardants and foam, can leave residues that may require special attention to clean effectively and safely.

Here’s a comprehensive step-by-step guide for cleaning both interior and exterior surfaces, including dealing with wildfire chemicals.

1. Safety First

• Personal Protection: Always wear gloves, goggles, and a dust mask (N95) or respirator when cleaning up soot, smoke residue, or firefighting chemicals. If using strong cleaning chemicals, it’s also recommended to wear long sleeves and pants to avoid direct contact with the skin.

• Ventilate: Open windows and doors to increase airflow, if the air quality allows. Use fans to help circulate fresh air in the space.

2. Initial Assessment

• Exterior Cleanup: Assess your property for visible ash, fire retardant, and foam residues. Pay attention to landscaping, walls, windows, and outdoor furniture.

• Interior Cleanup: Check walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, furniture, and ventilation systems for signs of smoke, ash, or fire retardant residues.

3. Exterior Cleanup

Remove Ash and Soot from Surfaces

• Dry Brush or Vacuum: Begin with dry cleaning methods. Use a soft broom, duster, or vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove ash and soot from hard surfaces like concrete, wood, or metal. Make sure to do this gently to avoid spreading soot around.

Cleaning Fire Retardant and Foam Residues

Fire retardants, such as phos-chek, and firefighting foams can leave behind chemical residues that are typically white, pink, or orange in color. These can stain surfaces if not cleaned properly.

• For Hard Surfaces (Concrete, Wood, Metal):

  • Mild Dish Soap and Water Solution: Mix 1/4 cup of mild dish soap with 1 gallon of warm water. Use a sponge or cloth to scrub surfaces.

  • Trisodium Phosphate (TSP): TSP is a heavy-duty cleaner that can be used to remove tough stains, including fire retardant residue. Mix 1/2 cup of TSP with 1 gallon of warm water, and scrub the affected area with a scrub brush or sponge.

  • Vinegar and Water: A mixture of white vinegar (1/2 cup) and 1 gallon of water can also help break down some fire retardant residues.

• For Wooden Decks/Furniture:

  • If there’s foam or fire retardant residue on wooden surfaces, clean with vinegar and water or use a specialized wood cleaner to preserve the wood finish.

  • For heavy chemical staining, consider using a wood cleaner or brightener designed for post-fire cleanup.

• Rinse Thoroughly: After cleaning, rinse all surfaces with clean water to remove any remaining cleaning solution or residue.

For Landscaping and Plants

• Rinse Plants: Gently rinse plants with water to remove any residual chemicals. This is particularly important if fire retardants have fallen on vegetation. Water thoroughly to ensure chemicals are flushed away.

• Inspect Soil: In areas where large amounts of fire retardant have fallen, soil may be contaminated. You can amend the soil with organic matter or consider replanting if the soil seems overly affected.

4. Interior Cleanup

Remove Ash and Smoke Particles

• Dry Cleaning First: Vacuum with a HEPA filter vacuum to remove as much dry ash and soot as possible. Dust furniture, fixtures, and ceilings with a microfiber cloth or a soft duster.

• Wipe Down Surfaces: Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down walls, windowsills, countertops, and other hard surfaces. Use a gentle dish soap and water solution or vinegar and water for cleaning.

Cleaning Smoke Stains and Firefighting Chemical Residues

• TSP (Trisodium Phosphate): TSP is effective for removing smoke stains and fire retardant residues from walls and ceilings.

  • Mix 1/4 cup TSP with 1 gallon of warm water and scrub walls or ceilings using a sponge.

  • Always rinse thoroughly with clean water after using TSP, as it can leave a residue.

• Commercial Smoke Odor Removers: Use smoke odor removers like OdoBan or Zero Odor to neutralize lingering smoke smells.

• For Paint Stains from Fire Retardants:

  • If fire retardants have left stains on your walls or ceilings, use a gentle degreaser or a mild dish soap solution to clean the affected areas.

  • If stains persist after cleaning, you may need to use a stain-blocking primer before repainting (e.g., Zinsser BIN or Kilz Original).

Cleaning Carpets and Upholstery

• Vacuum First: Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove dry soot from carpets and upholstery.

• Wash Fabrics: If possible, launder fabrics like curtains, pillow covers, or linens. Use a mild detergent and add a cup of vinegar to the wash to help neutralize smoke odors.

• Steam Clean: Consider using a steam cleaner for carpets and upholstery to remove deep-set smoke particles and odors.

• Professional Cleaning: For heavy smoke exposure or delicate fabrics, hire a professional cleaning service that specializes in smoke damage restoration.

5. Dealing with Airborne Chemicals and Odors

• Air Purifiers: Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to help remove fine soot and smoke particles from the air. This can also help with odors.

• Air Fresheners: After cleaning, use odor neutralizers (such as baking soda or activated charcoal) in areas affected by smoke odors.

• Ozone Generators: In some cases, ozone generators may be helpful for eliminating persistent smoke odors, though use them cautiously and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid health risks.

6. Repainting (If Necessary)

Priming Walls and Ceilings

• If cleaning hasn’t fully removed stains, odors, or residue, apply a stain-blocking primer to walls and ceilings. This is essential when dealing with fire retardant residues, which can bleed through paint.

  • Zinsser BIN Shellac Primer is ideal for sealing in stains and odors from smoke and fire retardants.

  • Kilz Original Primer is another good option for sealing in stains and odors before painting.

Painting

• Once the primer is dry, you can proceed with repainting.

  
  
  
  

7. Final Considerations

• Test for Chemical Residues: If you’re concerned about residual chemicals in your home, you can have surfaces tested by a professional cleaning service that specializes in wildfire recovery.

• Monitor for Health Issues: If you notice lingering health symptoms (e.g., respiratory issues, headaches), consult with a professional to ensure the air quality is safe and that all residues have been properly removed.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean your home’s interior and exterior surfaces after a wildfire and remove any traces of smoke, ash, and firefighting chemicals. This will not only improve air quality and aesthetics but also help to protect your home and health.