DIYbanter - View Single Post

wrote:
Hi,
I had a kitchen fire on 10/20/2005 with " medium" smoke and soot
damage. It burned my cabinets, but not all the way through, but there
were also plastic bowls that melted.
My question is... How does the smoke and soot affect my electronics
such as Fridge, dishwasher, TV, Computer, cameras, DVD player, stereo,
speakers, phones, etc.?
I asked my Insurance Adjuster about them and he said they could be
cleaned. That's fine, but it's now been over 3 months since fire. Now
I'm wondering if sending them to be cleaned will correct any damage
that may have started. I just need to know the best way I should
handle this. Last week my DVD player just quit and it was only 1 yr
old. I do pay for the " replacement value" on my homeowners insurance.

Also, how does the smoke and soot affect my ceiling fans/lights? The
cleaning company wasn't able to clean the inside of them. Should these
be replaced?
What about electrical outlets, etc.??
I appreciate all your help!!

Thank you!
ClassieM

I had a shop fire. All the electronics, except one computer power
supply, survived even the dousing that some of them got (I poured water
out of a couple units).

Mechanical things (VCRs, printers, tape decks and anything with a fan)
took a beating. Some things worked initially and died later, some died
before the fireman left, and others survived with a superficial cleaning.

Anything bad that might have happend to your stuff, is not going to get
any better. If it still works and was exposed to that environment--and
you are concerned--get it cleaned, expecially if someone else is paying
for it.

jak