Fire Safety & Smoke Damage
Post-Fire Cleanup
Quick Definition
EPA-guided cleaning process using HEPA vacuuming, wet wiping, and MERV-13 filters to remove wildfire contamination
Post-fire cleanup refers to the systematic process of removing wildfire smoke contamination from your home using EPA-approved methods. This goes far beyond standard cleaning to address toxic residues that can persist for months.
What You Need to Know
Effective post-fire cleanup requires specific techniques and products. The EPA recommends HEPA vacuuming to capture fine particles, wet wiping with appropriate detergents to remove sticky residues, and upgrading to MERV-13 air filters.
Why It Matters for Your Home
Standard cleaning methods like dry dusting or regular vacuuming can actually make contamination worse by spreading particles into the air. Professional-grade cleanup removes 70% more contamination than typical homeowner efforts.
How to Approach Cleanup
Start with HEPA vacuuming of all surfaces, followed by wet wiping with TSP (trisodium phosphate) solution. Replace all HVAC filters with MERV-13 or higher, and clean or replace soft furnishings that can't be effectively decontaminated.
When to Get Professional Help
If testing shows high contamination levels, or if you experience ongoing health symptoms, professional remediation services have specialized equipment and training to ensure complete decontamination.
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