How to Clean the Exterior
5/5/2022 (Permalink)
Before you start cleaning your home after a fire, make sure it is structurally sound. Even if you’re working on the outside first, you want to have the following checked for strength and functionality:
- Roof
- Entrances
- Outdoor living spaces – porches, decks, etc.
You can start cleaning the exterior surfaces with a power washer. If you don’t have access to that equipment, use the stiffest brush you can find and a mixture of water and borax or another safe cleaning solution.
Cleaning exterior surfaces by hand can take a significant amount of time unless the damaged area is small. The longer the soot and ash are allowed to sit on your home, the more likely it is to cause permanent damage. You should consider renting a power washer or hiring a professional if you’re dealing with a large area of damage.
After power washing, you can clean the gutters, porch, deck, sidewalks, driveway, and windows. All of these surfaces can collect dust and other debris from even a small house fire. You can use a power washer if you have it. Consider bringing in a team of professional cleaners to get this done quickly if you don’t have the proper equipment or manpower.