How To Clean Up Fire Extinguisher Residue?

Removal and cleaning of all the fire extinguisher residue are necessary to keep the surroundings clean and chemical-free.

But, most people are unaware of the cleaning process and find cleaning difficult. Here we have a complete guide to making your life easier and better.

Steps For Cleaning The Leftover Particles

1. Cleaning A Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher Residue

A Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher is non-toxic. Chemical called potassium carbonate or sodium carbonate leaves behind some residue powder. Residue can be cleaned using a vacuum cleaner.

Remove the more significant pieces of residue before using a vacuum. Wear a dust mask and gloves while cleaning the residue. It may take various passes to clean the residue thoroughly. Using a vacuum cleaner is sufficient to clean a dry chemical fire extinguisher.

2. Monoammonium Phosphate Residue

Amongst all available fire extinguisher types, Mono ammonium phosphate fire extinguisher falls under the category of Class ABC fires. The residue can be cleaned by hand only.

If such residue is suspended in the air, it can irritate the skin and eyes. The extinguisher residue should be cleaned with a wet-sweeping or dust suppressant.

These types of residue should be cleaned up with the help of a cloth or brush. Moreover, soot erasers and sponges can also be used to clean the residue.

A paste of equal amounts of baking soda and hot water is made for surfaces that can be washed. This paste is then applied and put away for a few minutes.

Then clean that with a cloth. Moreover, if needed, the solution of isopropyl alcohol and warm water in 1:1 is made and can be used after it. This solution will break down the silicone, a hardened chemical, as an extinguisher agent.

3. Sodium And Potassium Bicarbonate Residues

Amongst all available fire extinguisher types, Sodium Bicarbonate fire extinguisher and potassium bicarbonate fire extinguisher fall under the category of Class B fires and Class C fires, respectively.

The residue can be cleaned in the same way as the mono ammonium phosphate fire extinguisher. The residue is cleaned with the help of a vacuum embedded with the high-efficiency particulate air filter. Also, six spoons of vinegar solution are used to clean it.

4. Class D Dry Powder Residue

Amongst all available fire extinguisher types, Class D dry powder fire extinguisher falls under the category of Class D fires. The residue may have metal residues like copper, graphite, sodium carbonate, and sodium chloride.

Clean this residue; some are easy to clean, while some needs the assistance of a professional. So consult the professional before cleaning it.

How To Clean Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher Residue?

The Wet chemical extinguisher is more suitable for kitchens. If cooking oil and grease catch fire, the extinguisher comes into use:

• After that, the extinguishers can be used again after cleaning.
• First of all, wear a dust mask and goggles for your Safety. Safety is always an important aspect.
• Make sure that the extinguisher is dry before cleaning it.
• You can clean the residue from wet chemical fire extinguishers with soap and hot water.
• The use of foam with water is not recommended. It only creates a mess.
• Another best way is to use a vacuum or some absorbent material to clean the residue.
• When absorbents are used, they should be disposed of well.
• Wipe up all the products and make them dry. Make sure to dry the extinguisher properly.
• Apply Neutral cleaner whenever required.

 a. Clean Up Class K Wet Chemical Residue

Class K fire extinguisher for commercial kitchen usage. Steps to clean the fire extinguisher are:

• Wear gloves for protection first.
• Turn off all the kitchen appliances and cooking equipment.
• Take a sponge, or a cloth dipped in hot or soapy water and wiped out the residue first.
• Clean all the surfaces that come in contact with wet chemicals.
• Let it dry for some time.
• Now, you turn the power on the kitchen equipment.

b. Clean Up Halotron Residue

Halon is used as an extinguishing agent. Halotron fire extinguishers do not produce a visible residue. This residue cleaning is done to remove smoky smells from fire and to neutralize the surface.

Steps for cleaning the residue:

• Use the dilute degreaser for cleaning.
• Use a sponge for smaller areas and a spray bottle for larger ones.
• Now use the neutral cleaner to clean the remaining part.
• Wipe all the products.
• Let it dry for some time.

How to Clean Fire Extinguisher Residue from Car?

In a dry chemical fire extinguisher, it is essential to clean it. As it comes in contact with the metal surface should be maintained regularly.

• Loose debris must be swept up. The dirt and dust on it must be swept up at first.
• Spray stuck-on residue with 50% diluted alcohol and warm water should be done to clean it.
• Or another way we can do it is by using baking soda paste made by mixing warm water. It is the best way as these ingredients are available at our home also.
• Take care that all surfaces are dry. Use fans to make the surface dry. If not, then use the fan to let it dry. 

While cleaning, we should take safety precautions like wearing goggles, gloves, masks, etc. Otherwise, one can have irritants to the lungs, eyes, and throat. The residue of these extinguishers can be toxic. So, we should be careful while dealing with it.

How To Clean Fire Extinguisher Residue From Floor?

Powder Fire Extinguisher is suitable for the floor of the building. Powder Fire Extinguishers are non-toxic. So, one can clean it according to their comfort.

But, taking precautions is always good. One should wear gloves and dusk masks while working with powder Fire extinguishers. If that residue gets in contact with the skin or gets inhaled, it irritates.

• Clean the powder residue with the use of a brush. Make sure to clean it well. You can also use a cloth or a vacuum instead of a brush.
• Sweep the powder from the vacuum cleaner in a paper or plastic bag. Make sure to seal that bag. Also, dispose of the bag well-considering environment.
• Use a humid cloth to clean any residual off the affected areas.
• Let it dry naturally, or you can also fan it.

How To Clean Fire Extinguisher Residue From Store?

Fire extinguishers must be installed in shops so that we can stop the fire from becoming uncontrollable. A combination of extinguishers is used in the stores. You can combine water and CO2. Another combination can be a CO2 and water fire extinguisher.

Cleaning of these Fire Extinguishers can be done as follows:

• Clean the above dirt and dust using a brush or a vacuum cleaner.
• Use a paper towel or an old towel that can be thrown to soak liquid and foam and clean the residue properly with it.
• Clean that area properly and make sure that all the residue is cleaned.
• Fill in the residue in a bag and dispose of it well.
• Let it dry completely, or switch on the fan if necessary.
• Even if touching that foam is ok because it is non-toxic. But if you wear gloves, foam is impermeable into gloves.
• But inhaling that foam must be dangerous. So, the use of the mask is a mandatory step.
• Don’t forget to take all the necessary precautions to use goggles, masks, and gloves.
• Please wash your hands well after cleaning.

How To Clean Fire Extinguisher Residue From Oven?

The best Fire extinguisher in the kitchen is a CO2 or dry powder extinguisher. These Extinguishers are widely used in kitchens. As in the CO2 fire extinguisher, we don’t have any residue.

In the kitchen, we deal with the oven or other electrical appliances. Taking safety precautions is always necessary. Use of gloves must be done, etc. Switch off the oven when cleaning the fire extinguisher.

The Fire Extinguisher must be within 30 feet of the oven or stove. It should be placed where it can be accessed easily and quickly.

Cleaning these includes the following steps:

• Cover your face with a mask. Cover your hands with gloves. Remember that working with chemicals is unsafe sometimes, so wear a mask and a set of gloves.
• Remove all foils and pans from the inside before cleaning it.
• Attach the vacuum cleaner and clean all the dry powder out of it.
• Use a dustpan and brush to pick up that removed powder. Then if you need, you can use the vacuum. Some good preinstalled dustpans come in handy at these times.
• Take a wet cloth and wipe the oven. Almost the fire extinguisher mess is clean now.
• Now spray the oven cleaner into it. It will help you clean all the leftover residue, and your oven is ready to cook food again.

FAQ

Final Talk

Fire extinguishers are a small but crucial part of home fire safety. They can save lives and property by putting out a small fire until the fire brigade arrives.

Don’t forget that buying a smoke detector and a good home fire evacuation plan is needed. Remember, lives are more important than property. Install Fire extinguishers and take necessary measures. It will help you to avoid fire accidents.