Cleaning Up After a House Fire — Chicago & North Shore Homeowner’s Guide

A house fire is one of the most devastating events a homeowner can experience. Beyond the visible destruction, the smoke, soot, and water left behind can cause ongoing damage to your home’s structure and contents. In Chicagoland — where historic bungalows, North Shore lakefront estates, and modern condos all face unique restoration challenges — fire damage cleaning requires more than just a mop and bucket.

At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we’ve been helping Chicago and North Shore families recover from fires for over 40 years. As IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorers and proud members of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA), we understand the science, safety, and speed necessary to restore your home safely.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what goes into cleaning up after a house fire — and why professional expertise is the fastest route to a safe, restored home. For a complete breakdown of the restoration process, see our Fire Damage Restoration in Chicago & North Shore — Complete Home Recovery Guide which covers every stage from initial cleanup to full reconstruction.

For a deeper dive into when basic cleaning isn’t enough, see Fire Damage Cleaning vs. Full Restoration – Chicagoland.

Why Fire Damage Cleaning Requires Professional Help

Fire damage cleanup is more than scrubbing walls and airing out rooms. Without the right methods and equipment, you risk spreading soot, worsening odors, and even causing long-term structural issues.

Key dangers after a fire:

• Soot Inhalation: Soot particles are toxic and can damage the lungs, especially for children, seniors, and those with respiratory conditions.
• Chemical Residues: Burning plastics, furniture finishes, and building materials can release harmful residues that settle on surfaces.
• Hidden Water Damage: Firefighting efforts often saturate drywall, insulation, and flooring, creating mold risks.
• Weakened Structures: Heat can compromise the integrity of wood framing, steel supports, and concrete.

📌 Reference: For more homeowner tips, see our book RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset.

Step-by-Step Fire Damage Cleaning Process

Step 1 — Safety & Damage Assessment

Before any cleaning begins, the property must be safe to enter. Our team:

• Uses full PPE (respirators, gloves, protective clothing)
• Checks for structural hazards (weakened floors, sagging ceilings)
• Tests for electrical safety before reactivating power

🔗 Internal Link: Fire Damage Restoration Services

Step 2 — Securing the Property

To prevent further damage from weather or vandalism, we:

• Board up broken windows and doors
• Tarp damaged roofs
• Secure unsafe entry points

Step 3 — Removing Debris & Unsalvageable Items

We separate what can be restored from what must be discarded:

• Non-porous items (metal, glass) often salvageable
• Heavily charred or melted materials removed for disposal
• Inventory and photo documentation for insurance claims

🔗 Internal Link: Content Cleaning & Packout

Step 4 — Soot Removal

Different types of soot require different cleaning methods:

• Dry Soot: From fast, high-heat fires — removed with HEPA vacuums and dry chemical sponges
• Oily Soot: From slow, smoldering fires — cleaned with specialized degreasers
• Protein Residue: Common in kitchen fires, leaves invisible yet pungent films

Step 5 — Smoke Damage Cleaning

Smoke particles infiltrate deep into walls, ceilings, and HVAC systems. We:

• Use alkaline cleaners to neutralize acidic soot
• Clean painted surfaces without spreading stains
• Remove smoke film from windows and mirrors

Step 6 — Odor Removal

Professional odor removal goes beyond air fresheners:

• Thermal Fogging: Penetrates fabrics and hidden spaces
• Ozone Treatment: Breaks down odor molecules
• Hydroxyl Generators: Safe for use while occupants remain in the home

🔗 Internal Link: Smoke & Odor Removal

Step 7 — Sanitization & Final Inspection

Once the cleaning is complete, we:

• Apply antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold growth
• Conduct a final walkthrough with the homeowner
• Confirm that the property is safe and odor-free

Common Mistakes Homeowners Make After a Fire

• Cleaning without PPE: Increases exposure to harmful particulates.
• Using water on the wrong surfaces: Can set stains or damage finishes.
• Delaying cleanup: Odors set in and soot becomes harder to remove.
• Forgetting HVAC cleaning: Smoke can linger in ducts and recirculate.

How Insurance Plays a Role

Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover fire damage cleaning, but understanding the claims process is crucial:

• File promptly and document everything
• Work with a restoration company experienced in insurance communication
• Keep copies of all estimates, receipts, and photographs

Why Choose ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

• Founded in Chicago in 1929 — nation’s oldest restoration brand
• 40+ years of local service across Chicago, the North Shore, and DuPage County
• IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer certification
• Member of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA)

Service Areas for Fire Damage Cleaning

Chicago Neighborhoods: Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Logan Square, Wicker Park, West Loop
North Shore Suburbs: Evanston, Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Lake Forest, Highland Park, Glencoe
DuPage County Towns: Oak Park, River Forest, Elmhurst, Hinsdale

FAQ

Q: How long does fire damage cleaning take?
A: A small fire cleanup may take 3–5 days, while larger restorations can last several weeks.

Q: Can I stay in my home during cleanup?
A: We typically recommend relocating until cleaning and deodorization are complete.

Q: Does insurance cover it?
A: Most policies cover fire damage cleaning, but coverage varies.

Our Core Services

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Specialty Cleaning

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is a multi-award-winning disaster restoration firm serving Lake, Cook, and DuPage counties, including Chicago and the North Shore. Led by Sam Simon — IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer and co-author of RESTORE — the company provides expert water, fire, and mold remediation services backed by 40+ years of local experience and the legacy of a brand founded in Chicago in 1929.