What Is Fire Extinguisher Residue?

12/31/2024 (Permalink)

Don't fall victim to fire extinguisher residue! Contact us for contents cleaning!

Every fire extinguisher contains a substance designed to suppress fires. Once the fire is put out, there often remains a residue called fire extinguisher residue. These residues come in various types and they are used to extinguish different levels of fire. Furthermore, they can cause damage if not properly cleaned. 

1. Dry Chemical Residue

This residue contains powdery and slightly abrasive components, which are often used to put out fires involving grass, flammable liquids, and energized electrical elements. You can clean them by using a dry cloth or brush, a vacuum cleaner, or a cleaning paste made with equal parts baking soda and hot water.

1. Foam Residue

Foam residue contains a mix of water and chemical foaming agents. They are often used for fires involving flammable liquids and solid combustibles. To avoid safety risks, clean this residue with a cloth soaked in soapy water. After this, rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry properly. 

1. Wet Chemical Residue

This contains a wet mixture of alkaline chemicals that turn into foam, putting out a fire by depriving it of oxygen. They’re used for cooking fires and they require immediate cleanup.

1. Clean Agent Residue

Clean agent residues contain halogenated or inert gases. It’s often used for fires involving sensitive electronics. This is because it leaves no physical residue on surfaces.

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