After the damage, it is natural to want to start cleaning up, but make sure you are taking the right steps to help with your restoration and cleaning process:

  • Once you are allowed back on the premises, check your insurance policy, and then contact Platinum Restoration.
  • Open all windows to vent smoke and start the drying process.
  • Discard all food exposed to fire or smoke.
  • If smoke has reached living areas, plan on moving out temporarily.
  • Check your insurance policy for Out of Home Living provisions.
  • Take pictures for insurance purposes if a camera or video recorder is available.
  • Clean and protect chrome trim on kitchen appliances, bathroom faucets, tub fittings, and towel bars with a light coating of Vaseline or other oil.
  • Blow off or brush-vacuum loose smoke particles from upholstery, drapery and carpet.
  • Change furnace filter if blower is operating.
  • Empty freezer and refrigerator completely if electricity is off, and prop the door open for ventilation. 
  • If your fire happened in the winter, pour antifreeze in toilet bowls, sinks, and tubs to prevent freezing of pipes.
  • Call plumber to drain heating system if heat is off during cold weather.

  • It’s important to understand that ash and soot contain dangerous chemicals that are extremely hazardous to your health, so it’s important to remove yourself, loved ones and pets from the premises as quickly as possible when a fire occurs. The following is a list “do nots” for after a fire occurs – leave this list to the professionals. 
  • Do not remove ash or water from carpets and floors. It is dangerous, so leave it to the professionals. 
  • Do not vacuum, touch the walls, or remove drapes. Here at Platinum, we have the proper equipment to safely remove and clean salvageable items from your home
  • If the fire department turns off your utilities (water, electricity, and gas) before they leave, it means they are unsafe to use. Do not try to turn them back on by yourself as this could be very dangerous and cause further damage to your home.
  • Do not attempt to wash walls, ceilings, or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Do not use TV’s, stereos, or electrical appliances until cleaned and checked by our Fireline Ultrasonic System team.
  • Do not immediately send smoked garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke and odor into the textiles. Let Platinum’s team of professionals take care of it.