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ORIGINAL: shawke

THIS site says dry removal is the only way to do it. When you add liquid to soot, it creates stains.

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SMOKE & FIRE DAMAGE

CLOTHING: Do not send smoke damaged garments to an ordinary dry cleaner--improper cleaning may set smoke and odor. What seems to be an ever-lingering odor can often be washed from clothing. A tested recipe for clothing that can be bleached is as follows:

*4 to 6 tablespoons tri-sodium phosphate
1 cup Lysol or household chlorine bleach
1 gallon water
Mix well, add clothes, rinse with clear water and dry. Test colored garments
before using any treatment .
(*2 tablespoons sodium hypochlorite can be used as a substitute.)

Mildew is removable by washing the stain with soap and water, rinsing and drying in the sun. If the stain is difficult to erase, try lemon juice and salt; one tablespoon pesborate bleach to one pint lukewarm water; or a diluted solution of household chlorine bleach.

WALLS & CEILINGS: Allow soot to dry in place for a minimum of twenty four (24) hours before attempting clean-up. Use the same formula as listed above under Clothing. Wear rubber gloves and wash the walls, rinse with clean water, and allow to dry. Commercial products are available from wallpaper dealers. Washable papers can be washed in the same manner as walls--work from bottom to top and avoid soaking the paper to prevent streaking. Clean ceilings last. Allow ample drying time before repainting.

FLOORS & RUGS: Linoleum must be handled delicately. When water seeps underneath, it can cause odors and warp wood floors. A flooring dealer should be consulted. Rugs should be removed, cleaned and dried. Carpets should have all excess water removed, cleaned, and dried. If odor persists, the padding may have to be replaced.

WOOD: Specific steps are necessary to repair wood furniture or fixtures

1. Clear off mud or dirt.
2. Remove drawers and let dry thoroughly.
3. Scrub with stiff brush and cleaning solution.
4. Wet wood decays and molds easily. Ventilate the room or turn on furnace or air conditioner to dry thoroughly.
5. Moldy furniture should be wiped with a cloth soaked in a mixture of water and kerosene or borax dissolved in hot water.
6. Never dry furniture in the sun.
7. To remove white spots or film, rub the wood surface with 4/0 steel polishing wool pad dipped in liquid wax. Wipe with a soft cloth and buff.

Many of the cleaning and reconditioning solutions used with wood are flammable, please use with caution and read directions carefully.

FOOD: Do not use exposed food items or canned goods which have to be subjected to excessive heat.

MISCELLANEOUS:

1. Change furnace filter if blower is not operational.
2. Clean and protect chrome trim on kitchen appliances and bathroom fixtures with Vaseline or other oil.
3. Wash plants with water on both sides of leaves.
4. Do not operate any video equipment, television, computer, or appliance until it has been checked for damage and cleaned. If a dry power fire extinguisher was used, vacuum all these items as soon as possible.
5. Empty freezer and refrigerator completely if electricity is off, and prop doors open with a rolled towel or newspaper.
6. Pour anti-freeze in toilet bowls, sinks and tubs to prevent freezing if heat is off in winter.
7. If heat is off in winter, call plumber to drain heating system.
8. Remove pets (especially birds) to clean environments.

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ORIGINAL: pumpkin

we do have renters insurance.
We have a deductible though, and so we are trying to do everything ourselves to keep costs as low as possible. It is a pain to clean everything, but... we don't cost as much as "professional cleaners" and believe me, they would NOT be in and out in a flash. I used to work as a "professional" house cleaner for a time, and this is just something that takes a lot of time to get through.