If you are in the midst of a smoke or fire disaster, know that ServiceMaster Clean will be there when you call 800-245-4622. In the meantime, here are some ways to mitigate the damage yourself.

What to do after smoke/fire damage

  • Corrosive byproducts can cause irreversible etching in as few as 72 hours. Call us for professional help.
  • If the temperature is above 60 degrees, air out the house to reduce smoke odor.
  • Clean Formica, chrome, porcelain and aluminum fixtures to prevent permanent tarnishing or etching.
  • Change the air filter on your furnace if it uses forced hot air.
  • Tap damp cheesecloth over returns and supply registers to capture loose soot in the air.
  • Discard any open food packages.
  • If the electricity is off, clean out the refrigerator and leave the doors propped open.
  • Send clothing with heavy smoke damage to our qualified restoration dry cleaner.

Mitigation is essential in smoke and fire damage

Even when the fire is out, the damage continues. Much of the material found in furniture and flooring is synthetic. When burned, synthetics create a variety of complex chemical reactions. After only a few days, these items go from cleanable to unsalvageable.