Did you recently use a fire extinguisher to put out a small fire in your Georgia home or business? Once you’ve put out the fire and the most damaged materials have been thrown away, how do you clean up the chemical residue left behind?
Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers
Clean agent fire extinguishers dissipate their residue into the atmosphere and are non-ozone depleting. This kind of fire extinguisher leaves behind no residue and is therefore ideal for any area with electronic equipment. No cleanup is needed.
Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers
If your fire extinguisher type falls under the category of dry chemicals, then specific cleaning solutions are needed for different types of chemicals used in these kinds of fire extinguishers. To clean the affected area, follow the steps listed below:
- Turn off the power to all electrical equipment in the area
- Wear personal protective gear including a breathing mask and rubber gloves.
- Use a broom or vacuum to clean the chemical particles from the affected area. Make sure you use the vacuum or broom on the insides of drawers, under rugs, and inside closets. Seal the disposed of material in a plastic bag and throw it away in your regular garbage can.
- Check the label on the fire extinguisher to find out what kind of chemical is being used. Based on that information, use the appropriate cleaning method and be sure to clean any possible affected area.
- monoammonium phosphate – Mix water with baking soda and use a rag or sponge to distribute the liquid to the affected area. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a gentle soap and water then rinse with warm water.
- sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate – Apply a solution made up of 98% water and 2% vinegar and let it work for a few minutes before wiping it off with a gentle soap and water then rinse with warm water.
- silicone – Mix a solution of 50% water and 50% isopropyl alcohol and use a rag or sponge to leave it on the affected area for several minutes. Wipe it off with a gentle soap and water then rinse with warm water.
- Dishes and Clothing – Wash clothes in the washer and dishes and cookware in the dishwasher.
- Artwork and electrical equipment – If dry chemical extinguishers were used, have all artwork and electronic equipment cleaned by professionals in order to prevent further damage. If a clean agent fire extinguisher was used, no cleaning is necessary.
- Immediately recharge or replace your fire extinguisher
Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers
If your fire extinguisher releases wet foam to put out the fire, follow the steps below to clean the affected area:
- Turn off the power to all electrical equipment in the area
- Wear personal protective gear including a breathing mask and rubber gloves.
- Scrub with hot water and soap all the affected areas to clean off all the foam then rinse with warm water, allowing it to dry.
- Dishes and Clothing – Wash clothes in the washer and dishes and cookware in the dishwasher.
- Artwork and electrical equipment – Have all artwork and electronic equipment cleaned by professionals in order to prevent further damage. If a clean agent fire extinguisher was used, no cleaning is necessary.
- Immediately recharge or replace your fire extinguisher
Halotron Fire Extinguishers
Halotron fire extinguisher are no longer manufactured since the chemical Halo damages the ozone layer but you may still have one in your home or business. If you use it to put out a fire, follow the steps below to clean the affected area:
- Turn off the power to all electrical equipment in the area
- Wear personal protective gear including a breathing mask and rubber gloves.
- Apply diluted degreaser to every possible affected area using a rag or sponge.
- Use hot water and a gentle soap to clean the area then rinse with warm water and let it dry.
- Dishes and Clothing – Wash clothes in the washer and dishes and cookware in the dishwasher.
- Artwork and electrical equipment – Have all artwork and electronic equipment cleaned by professionals in order to prevent further damage. If a clean agent fire extinguisher was used, no cleaning is necessary.
- Immediately recharge or replace your fire extinguisher
Call Georgia Clean with Any Questions
If you have any questions on how to clean up the residue after using a fire extinguisher or need our assistance, call us at 770-766-4562 and we’ll be happy to help.
