What the Process of Cleaning Electronics After a Fire Looks Like

3/15/2022 (Permalink)

An electrical fire can cause internal damage to these devices.

How To Salvage Your Electronics After a Fire

Businesses in Hope, RI, use a variety of electronics, from computers to cameras to phones. During an electrical fire, these electronics may be damaged but not completely destroyed. Anything left inside the building can experience smoke damage. Following the next few steps may help you be able to salvage your electronics.

1. Understand Fire Damage

Smoke and soot can penetrate the internal components of an electronic device. All electronic devices are susceptible to the effects of a magnet and not for the better. There is a magnetic charge to smoke that can cause these devices to short-circuit. Beyond the electrical components, smoke and soot are acidic, causing the materials to degrade faster than they normally would. The black film left behind insulates the electronics, shortening their lifespans and overheating their components.

2. Clean Smoke

To start computer cleanup after an electrical fire, unplug the device. Removing the power source is the first step to working on any electronic device. Avoid using the device until the damage has been assessed. The internal damage can become irreversible if the device is used. Warranty records on your devices may save you some additional money if still in effect.

3. Clean Soot

Save your files and documents by removing the memory components. The files on these items can be moved to another computer. Calling a professional computer cleanup service to look at your devices has a better chance of cleaning away the soot and smoke on the devices. Once the damage is assessed, the professional can clean the devices without causing permanent damage. Cleaning them without experience may lead to damage that cannot be reversed or cause short-circuiting.

Electronic device cleaning professionals have a better chance of salvaging the electronics than an amateur. An electrical fire can cause damage not only externally but internally on these devices. A professional knows what to look for, how to clean it and how to help you save money on replacement.