The short answer
Safety First
Before you touch anything, make sure the fire department has cleared your home for reentry. Fire can weaken floors, walls, and ceilings, so inspect for structural damage with a flashlight. Wear gloves, goggles, and an N95 mask to protect yourself from soot and ash, which can irritate your skin and lungs.
Open windows and doors to ventilate the space, but only if it is safe to do so. Running fans can help push out smoke odors, but avoid using your HVAC system until the ducts are cleaned. If you feel unwell from the fumes or dust, see a doctor. Keep children and pets away from the affected areas.
- Wait for official clearance before entering
- Wear gloves, goggles, and an N95 mask
- Open windows and doors to ventilate
- Avoid touching soot with bare hands
- Keep children and pets out of the work zone
Remove Soot and Debris
Start by removing loose soot and debris from surfaces using a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Dry soot can be wiped from walls and ceilings with a dry sponge or cloth, working from top to bottom. For hard surfaces like counters and floors, use a mild detergent and water, but test a small area first to avoid damage.
Dispose of heavily contaminated items like cardboard, paper, and food that was exposed to heat or smoke. These can hold toxic residues and are not safe to keep. For fabrics, curtains, and clothing, check if they can be washed or if they need professional cleaning. Do not use your regular washer for oily, smoky items.
- Vacuum loose soot with a HEPA filter
- Wipe walls from top to bottom
- Throw away food and cardboard that were exposed
- Separate washable fabrics from disposable ones
Clean and Deodorize
After removing loose soot, clean all surfaces with a solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) or a similar degreaser, following the product's instructions. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly. For walls and ceilings, you may need to repaint after cleaning to seal in odors.
To tackle smoke odor, use odor absorbers like activated charcoal or baking soda in each room. For a deeper clean, consider professional services that use ozone or thermal fogging to neutralize odors. In Rogers, you can find local pros who specialize in post-fire cleaning, but always verify their approach before hiring.
Handle Belongings with Care
Sort your belongings into categories: salvageable, questionable, and unsalvageable. Metal, glass, and ceramics can often be cleaned, but porous items like mattresses, pillows, and stuffed toys may hold smoke and soot permanently. Electronics should be inspected by a professional before use, as soot can cause corrosion.
For upholstered furniture and carpets, professional cleaning is often necessary to remove smoke residue and odors. On-site contents cleaning services can treat items in your home, while some items may need to be taken off-site for specialized care. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Check your policy to understand what your insurance company may cover.
Know When to Call Pros
Fire cleanup is complex and hazardous, so you may want to hire local water damage pros for the heavy work. They have the equipment to clean ducts, walls, and contents thoroughly. They can also handle structural drying and dehumidification if water was used to extinguish the fire, which prevents secondary mold growth.
If the fire affected your HVAC system, air duct cleaning is essential to prevent soot from circulating. For deep cleaning of the entire home, a professional service can address hidden residues. The cost often ranges from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, but it depends on the extent of damage and the methods needed. Get a clear plan before work begins, and ask about what is included.
Water damage does not wait
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Call Now (479) 370-1500Frequently asked questions
Can I clean soot off walls myself?
Yes, you can clean light soot from walls with a dry sponge or a mild detergent solution. Work from the top down and test a small area first. For heavy soot or smoke damage, professional cleaning is safer and more effective.
How do I get rid of smoke smell?
Ventilate the home and use odor absorbers like baking soda or activated charcoal. Wash all fabrics and wipe hard surfaces. For persistent odors, professional deodorization may be needed, which can include ozone treatments or thermal fogging.
Is it safe to stay in the house after a fire?
Only after the fire department has declared the structure safe. Soot and ash can be toxic, so limit time inside and wear protective gear. If you have breathing problems or feel sick, leave and see a doctor.