Cleaning Wood Furniture After A Fire
If burns are not too severe, they may be sanded and
the furniture refinished. The furniture should be
thoroughly dry before restoration. When there is only
smoke damage, use a solvent to clean furniture. For most
finishes on furniture, denatured alcohol or paint thinner
will help to clean smoke from furniture.
These and other solvents are very flammable. Work
outdoors if possible, or in a well-ventilated room with
open windows. Be absolutely sure there is no flame or
spark anywhere in the area where it could ignite vapors
from solvents--no flame, pilot light, spark, and no
smoking. Discard cloths in tightly closed metal can, in
trash. You don't want to start another fire! Also avoid
breathing vapors while working. Read labels on solvents
and follow directions.
Do a small section at a time. Apply solvent to a
rough surface cloth, such as a hand towel and rub
thoroughly. Use 3/0 steel wool for carvings. After
cleaning, go over surface with a damp cloth. Dry with
another cloth.
After furniture dries, wax or polish it with a
recommended wax or polish. Several commercial products
can clean smoke from furniture. To clean, do not use a
product that contains wax or polish.