How to Clean Fire Extinguisher Residue

After a fire, extinguisher residue needs to be cleaned as soon as possible. Depending on the extinguisher, the residue can damage metal surfaces and electronics if left sitting too long.

What are the Components of Fire Extinguisher Residue?

Fire extinguisher foam is made of water, foam concentrate, and air. It’s considered a stable group of small air-filled bubbles with a lower density than oil, gas, and water. When these ingredients are mixed, they create the homogeneous foam we’re familiar with, that blankets spaces when aerated and discharged. 

Dry chemical fire extinguishers often use agents like monoammonium phosphate, sodium bicarbonate, and potassium bicarbonate. The powder they leave behind is corrosive and can damage metal surfaces and can cause eye, lung, and skin irritation. 

Tips for Cleaning Fire Extinguisher Residue

Here are some useful steps for cleaning fire extinguisher residue. There are different kinds of fire extinguishers, and the type of fire extinguisher used will dictate how to approach the cleanup process. 

Remember, it’s important to don a dust mask, goggles, and gloves before cleaning any fire extinguisher residue, as it may be hazardous. 

For dry chemical extinguishers that put out class A, B, and/or C fires: 

• Vacuum or sweep up as much of the residue as possible. 
• Mix a solution of 50% warm water and 50% isopropyl alcohol, then spray the residue with this mixture to break up any leftover silicone.  
• Let the solution settle for about five minutes, then rinse with warm water. 

Treating sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate based dry chemicals is handled a bit differently: 

• Mix 2% vinegar and 98% hot water. 
• Wash the affected area.  
• Allow the solution to settle for approximately five minutes. 
• Rinse with warm water. 

Treating monoammonium phosphate solution requires a slightly different process: 

• Mix baking soda and hot water.  
• Let the solution settle for approximately five minutes. 
• Using soap and water, wash and rinse the affected area(s). 
• Use a fan to spot dry any remaining wet areas. 

For wet chemical extinguishers that put out class K fires: 

• Turn off all fuel sources that may be connected to cooking equipment. 
• Using hot water and soap, scrub the residue away with a sponge or cloth. 
• Rinse affected areas and surfaces. 
• Let the area fully dry before you turn the equipment back on. 

For dry powder extinguishers that put out class D fires: 

• Use a vacuum or brush to clean up the residue. 
• Sweep all the collected residue into a trash bag or other method of containment, then properly dispose of it in a trash can. 
• Use a damp cloth to wipe off any lingering powder from affected surfaces.

SERVPRO’s Fire Damage Cleanup Process

After a fire strikes your home or business, you may find yourself with a severely damaged interior. Between fire extinguisher discharge, and partially or fully destroyed furnishings, walls, and precious materials, time is of the essence when it comes to fire damage cleanup.  

While you may be able to clean the initial residue for a small blaze, the SERVPRO fire damage restoration process may be an ideal option for fires that are simply too hazardous or large to clean: 

1. Emergency contact. Contact your local SERVPRO franchise. You’ll be asked a series of questions to determine size and scope of fire damage, and what resources and necessary personnel are needed. 
2. Inspection and fire damage assessment. During the initial assessment, SERVPRO technicians will evaluate and test adjoining rooms to the fire damage. This helps assess smoke and soot damage and contributes to developing an appropriate plan of action. 
3. Board-up and roof tarping service, if necessary, will prevent further damage. 
4. Water removal and drying (if water damage is present). Water removal begins as soon as possible, with dehumidifiers and air movers used to expedite the process and help ensure the affected space is properly dried. 
5. Removal of smoke and soot from all surfaces. Using specialized techniques, ceilings, floors, and walls are cleaned of soot and smoke. 
6. Cleaning and sanitizing. Odor removal commences, in addition to further cleaning and sanitizing of restorable items. SERVPRO’s goal is to return your belongings and the larger affected space to pre-fire condition, using fogging equipment and industrial air scrubbers. 
7. Restoration. The last step involves returning the space to pre-fire condition. This may include minor repairs, such as painting or new carpet installation, or major reconstruction of certain areas.    

SERVPRO is a Leader in Fire Damage Restoration

Our professionals are highly trained, with the experience, tools, and knowledge to clean up fire damage. We are committed to restoring your home or business to pre-loss condition. 

We will help to make it “Like it never even happened.” Contact us for more information, or visit our FAQ and Glossary.