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The first thing you should do when cleaning smoke damage is open all your windows to ventilate the affected area and run an air purifier with a HEPA filter. Cover your furniture and belongings to prevent soot accumulation, and vacuum any soot that’s on the floor and other surfaces. Be sure to wear a mask, gloves, and eye protection when cleaning the affected area.

If untreated, smoke damage is definitely toxic. Carbon and tar are two types of toxic chemicals in smoke that can damage your lungs and other parts of your body if you breathe them in for long periods of time. If you still smell smoke after the fire, it’s important that you call your restoration team for support.

Depending on the amount of soot present, you can vacuum some of it using a brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Then, remove the leftovers with a mild cleaner, such as dish soap or vinegar mixed with water. Before applying a cleaning solution, saturate the bricks with clean water to prevent the cleaner from penetrating beyond the surface and causing structural damage to the bricks.

Yes, most homeowners insurance policies cover fire damage and restoration, provided the fire was not set intentionally or caused by negligence. Accidental fires, such as those from electrical issues, cooking, or gas, are typically covered. Your policy will usually cover emergency services like roof tarping, the full cost of remediation and rebuilding, and may also cover alternative housing while your home is being restored. You will be responsible for paying your policy's deductible. It is important to check your policy details to see how coverage is calculated—it may be for the full replacement cost of damaged items or the actual cash value, which accounts for depreciation. To expedite your claim, contact your insurance company immediately and have all necessary documentation ready.