Typical division of tasks
| Usually reasonable for a homeowner | Usually better handled by professionals |
|---|---|
| Washing clothes, bedding and washable curtains | Removing ash-contaminated attic insulation |
| Wiping hard surfaces with light film | Cleaning ductwork and the air handler |
| Replacing furnace filters and cooler pads | Heavy soot on walls and ceilings, especially textured surfaces |
| Rinsing ash from decks, patios and outdoor furniture | Deodorization that involves specialized equipment |
| HEPA vacuuming floors and upholstery with light residue | Sealing smoke-stained surfaces before painting |
| Cleaning out the refrigerator and pantry | Cleaning electronics, artwork and delicate fabrics |
A quick way to decide
- IfYou can clean it with a damp cloth and the residue comes off in one or two passesThenIt's likely a DIY task.
- IfResidue smears, comes back after drying or leaves a shadowThenStop and get advice; the wrong cleaner can set the stain.
- IfThe job means working in the attic, on a ladder near the roof or inside ductsThenHire it out.
- IfAnyone in the household has a lung or heart conditionThenLean toward professional cleaning for anything beyond light dusting.
- IfYou plan to file an insurance claimThenDocument first and ask the insurer before cleaning large areas yourself.
If you do part of it yourself
- Photograph each area before and after you clean it
- Keep receipts for supplies, laundry and dry cleaning
- Log your hours; some policies consider a homeowner's own labor
- Wear a respirator and gloves, and keep the house ventilated
- Tell any contractor you hire what you already cleaned and how
- Don't paint over smoke stains without a proper sealing primer
Splitting the work without stepping on each other
A common arrangement is for the household to handle laundry, the kitchen and the yard while a contractor takes the attic, ducts and any walls or ceilings that need more than a wipe. That works best when the order is agreed first. Washing curtains before the ducts are cleaned, for example, can mean washing them twice when the blower starts up and pushes residue back out of the registers.
Write down who is doing what, room by room, and share it with the contractor and the adjuster. It prevents gaps, keeps anyone from billing for work you did, and makes the final walk-through simpler.
Common questions
- Will doing my own cleaning hurt my insurance claim?
- Not usually, if you document first and keep records. Ask the insurer before you clean large areas or throw anything away, since they may want to inspect.
- What cleaner should I use on light smoke film?
- A mild detergent solution works on many painted and hard surfaces. Test a small area first, and stop if the residue smears instead of lifting.
General information for Colorado Springs, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.