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#Wildfires #Washington #California #Oregon #CleaningFireRetardant

From Spokane Area Fires on FB: So, What Do You Do With All That Red Fire Retardant After the Fire?

If your home, vehicle, driveway, or property was exposed to wildfire retardant, you may be wondering: How do I clean this stuff up?

Here are a few things to know

First—don’t panic, and don’t reach for the bleach!
Clean it sooner rather than later. The red colorant can become more difficult to remove over time, especially from painted or porous surfaces.

Start with plenty of water. Fire retardant is largely water, and thorough rinsing can help dilute and remove residue.

For buildings and other surfaces, a biodegradable general-purpose cleaner can be used according to the manufacturer's directions. Gentle hand cleaning with a soft brush may be necessary on some surfaces.

Be careful with pressure washers. Improper pressure washing can actually push the colorant deeper into wood and other porous materials, potentially making staining permanent.

NEVER use chlorine bleach or bleach-based cleaners. They can react with fire retardant and create harmful or explosive gases.

Think about your four-legged friends, too. Don't allow pets or livestock to drink from puddles containing retardant residue. If retardant gets on your pet, thoroughly shampoo and rinse them.

What about plants? Thoroughly watering vegetation can help dilute the fertilizer components. Some plants may show leaf damage but can recover over time.

And your vehicle? Wash retardant off as soon as possible with plenty of water. Remaining staining may require additional cleaning or polishing.

Remember, fire retardant did its job—it helped slow the fire and gave firefighters a chance to protect lives, homes and property.

Now that the fire is out, take your time and clean it up safely.

@ai6yr @bud_t @AlaskaWx

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