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The Process of Cleaning Up Fire Extinguisher Chemicals

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Various types of fire extinguishers exist in the market today. However, a chemical fire extinguisher is the most versatile type of extinguisher for home use. It is recommended for electrical fires, grease fires, and normal fires. Unfortunately, most of these types of extinguishers have a certain downside. After they are used, a dry chemical extinguisher coating surrounds the area it was sprayed in a layer of chemicals. This coating if left can create a huge mess and even damage electronic equipment. Follow these simple instructions to reduce the mess and clean the sticky chemicals from your chemical fire extinguisher:

Secure the Right Materials for the Job

Make sure you have a clean cloth, enough water, vacuum, vinegar, towels or paper towels.

Identify the Chemicals

Many types of extinguishers are used in homes. However, only two types will not require any special cleanup after use. You will not have to worry about chemical spills when using carbon dioxide or water fire extinguishers.

For dry chemical fire extinguishers, start by checking the nature of chemicals that are produced after use. This must also be done for safety reasons for you to know how to use your specific fire extinguisher when the time comes. To check the nature of chemicals produced, check the tag or label of your extinguisher and go through it in detail.

The Cleaning Process

Specific appropriate techniques apply for the different type of chemicals.

Bicarbonate

When using fire extinguishers that contain sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate, you simply get a vacuum cleaner and wash away the mess. You may sweep the residue away with a dry broom for cases where you do not have a vacuum cleaner.

Halotron

Halotron chemical is safely dispersed into the air leaving no single mess behind. They are easy to clean with a dry piece of cloth and the chemicals dispersed in the air are safe for the environment.

Mono Ammonium Phosphate

Mono Ammonium Phosphate extinguishers are also known as the ABC dry chemical extinguishers. If you use them, you will need to scrub the chemical remains by hand. It is necessary to be thorough as this chemical can damage house equipment if left to remain for some time.  

Foam

Foam extinguishers need lots of water to dilute it first then wash away. Soak it up well with paper towels when done cleaning.

To finish up the cleaning process, you may use vinegar mixed with water to form a solution. This will do away with any small spots of the chemical residue.


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