After Wildfire Smoke Subsides, Clean These 12 Things ASAP

After Wildfire Smoke Subsides... After Wildfire Smoke Subsides... Clean These 12 Things Around the House ASAP

Wildfire smoke can deposit fine particles and ash on the surface of your pool water. Wildfire smoke can deposit fine particles and ash on the surface of your pool water. 1. Pools 1. Pools

Smoke particles can settle on the exterior siding of the house, leaving behind a thin layer of residue. Smoke particles can settle on the exterior siding of the house, leaving behind a thin layer of residue. 2. Siding 2. Siding

The residue can accumulate on the glass surface, making it appear hazy and reducing visibility. The residue can accumulate on the glass surface, making it appear hazy and reducing visibility. 3. Exterior Doors and Windows 3. Exterior Doors and Windows

Soot, ash, and debris can settle on your driveway during a wildfire, resulting in unsightly stains and discoloration. Soot, ash, and debris can settle on your driveway during a wildfire, resulting in unsightly stains and discoloration. 4. Driveway 4. Driveway

Some of the particles in the smoke can deteriorate certain decking materials, such as wood or composite boards , leading to discoloration, warping, or even rot. Some of the particles in the smoke can deteriorate certain decking materials, such as wood or composite boards , leading to discoloration, warping, or even rot. 5. Deck or Patio 5. Deck or Patio

Fine particles and chemicals from the smoke can settle on the surfaces, making them dirty and potentially transferring harmful substances to children’s skin upon contact. Fine particles and chemicals from the smoke can settle on the surfaces, making them dirty and potentially transferring harmful substances to children’s skin upon contact. 6. Kids’ Playsets 6. Kids’ Playsets

Cleaning rain barrels after a wildfire will prevent potential contamination and ensure the water remains safe for future use. Cleaning rain barrels after a wildfire will prevent potential contamination and ensure the water remains safe for future use. 7. Rain Barrels 7. Rain Barrels

Consuming food cooked on a grill with smoke residues may not pose significant health hazards. But it can result in an altered taste and potential ingestion of fine particles present in the residue. Consuming food cooked on a grill with smoke residues may not pose significant health hazards. But it can result in an altered taste and potential ingestion of fine particles present in the residue. 8. Grills 8. Grills

Fine particles, ash, and chemicals from the smoke can accumulate in the water, leading to poor water quality and potential health hazards for birds that rely on it for hydration and bathing. Fine particles, ash, and chemicals from the smoke can accumulate in the water, leading to poor water quality and potential health hazards for birds that rely on it for hydration and bathing. 9. Bird Baths 9. Bird Baths

When it comes to upholstered pieces, the residue can cause staining if it’s not cleaned shortly after the wildfire event takes place. When it comes to upholstered pieces, the residue can cause staining if it’s not cleaned shortly after the wildfire event takes place. 10. Patio Furniture 10. Patio Furniture

It might be necessary to increase watering frequency temporarily to compensate for the dry conditions caused by the fire. It might be necessary to increase watering frequency temporarily to compensate for the dry conditions caused by the fire. 11. Outdoor Plants 11. Outdoor Plants

Following a wildfire event, various filters in your home should be cleaned or replaced to ensure continued optimal air quality indoors. Following a wildfire event, various filters in your home should be cleaned or replaced to ensure continued optimal air quality indoors. 12. Air Filters 12. Air Filters

[{"selector":"#anim-ae86c93f-2bb2-40f6-8fa2-2e7a1139faa4","keyframes":[{"transform":"scale(1)","offset":0},{"transform":"scale(1.5)","offset":0.33},{"transform":"scale(0.95)","offset":0.66},{"transform":"scale(1)","offset":1}],"delay":0,"duration":1450,"easing":"ease-in-out","fill":"both","iterations":1}] [{"selector":"#anim-7c74cf59-b674-45f7-ad75-6c6152c80738","keyframes":[{"transform":"scale(1)","offset":0},{"transform":"scale(1.5)","offset":0.33},{"transform":"scale(0.95)","offset":0.66},{"transform":"scale(1)","offset":1}],"delay":0,"duration":1450,"easing":"ease-in-out","fill":"both","iterations":1}] [{"selector":"#anim-bbc00d4a-95c5-4d59-b70d-786d42345e54","keyframes":[{"transform":"scale(1)","offset":0},{"transform":"scale(1.5)","offset":0.33},{"transform":"scale(0.95)","offset":0.66},{"transform":"scale(1)","offset":1}],"delay":0,"duration":1450,"easing":"ease-in-out","fill":"both","iterations":1}] [{"selector":"#anim-f64c1aab-0524-416c-b102-1b8339d24948","keyframes":[{"transform":"scale(1)","offset":0},{"transform":"scale(1.5)","offset":0.33},{"transform":"scale(0.95)","offset":0.66},{"transform":"scale(1)","offset":1}],"delay":0,"duration":1450,"easing":"ease-in-out","fill":"both","iterations":1}] More on How to Test Air Quality in Your Home Get the Newsletter Here's Why Mass Timber Could Be a Game-Changer for Home Building Sign up to receive the best tips and tricks, the latest news and giveaways, and the most inspiring home improvement ideas from Bob Vila, America's Handyman since 1979. Subscribe Now