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1. Initial Property Evaluation

• Review the home's proximity to the wildfire and level of smoke exposure

• Ask how long the property was exposed to smoke

• Ask whether windows or doors were open

• Determine whether the HVAC system was operating during the event

• Ask whether any cleaning has already been attempted

• Inspect for visible ash, soot and smoke residue

• Identify significant visible residue or persistent odours

• Inspect areas where smoke may have travelled, including attics, crawlspaces and other concealed areas when appropriate

• Identify significant visible residue or persistent odours

• Recommend an independent third-party assessment when conditions warrant it

• Coordinate with qualified fire loss specialist and/or hygienist where needed

• Follow an assessment-generated scope of work when one has been provided

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2. Health & Safety Check

• Confirm the property is safe to enter

• Watch for structural, electrical, gas and environmental hazards

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment

• Identify situations that require additional professional assessment before cleaning begins

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3. Determine the Cleaning Scope

• Identify which rooms and surfaces have been affected

• Determine whether the impact appears light, moderate or significant

• Identify materials that can be cleaned

• Identify items that may require specialized cleaning or replacement

• Create a cleaning plan based on the individual property

 

4. HEPA Vacuuming & Particulate Removal

• HEPA vacuum affected walls and ceilings

• HEPA vacuum hard flooring

• HEPA vacuum carpets before additional cleaning

• HEPA vacuum furniture and appropriate contents

• Remove loose ash, soot and other wildfire particulates without unnecessarily redistributing them

 

5. Detailed Surface Cleaning

• Damp clean appropriate walls and ceilings

• Clean hard flooring

• Clean trim, doors, cabinetry and other hard surfaces

• Clean furniture and non-porous contents where appropriate

• Work systematically through the affected areas

• Address remaining adhered smoke and soot residue

 

6. Carpets, Fabrics & Contents

• HEPA vacuum restorable carpeting

• Deep clean carpets when appropriate

• Assess upholstery and soft furnishings

• Identify clothing, bedding and other textiles requiring professional laundering or specialty cleaning

• Identify heavily impacted items that may not be practical or appropriate to restore

The appropriate method depends on the material and degree of impact; some porous items may require professional laundering, specialized treatment or replacement.

 

7. Smoke Odour Management

• Identify areas where smoke odour remains

• Remove the residue contributing to the odour

• Use appropriate odour-management methods when required

• Reassess the property for remaining smoke odour after cleaning

 

8. HVAC Considerations​

• Inspect for evidence that smoke travelled through the system

• Recommend or coordinate professional HVAC/duct cleaning when required

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9. Final Cleaning & Completion Check

• Walk through all cleaned areas

• Confirm visible wildfire residue has been addressed

• Check cleaned surfaces

• Check for remaining smoke odours

• Confirm the agreed scope of work has been completed

• Document the completed work

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10. Third-Party Verification When Required

• Help arrange independent post-restoration verification when requested or warranted

• Refer clients to the appropriate qualified professional for laboratory sampling or scientific verification

• Cooperate with insurers, assessors and other restoration professionals when applicable​

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