Kitchen fire damage cleanup in Annapolis is often needed after fires that lasted only seconds. A grease fire on the stovetop, an unattended pan or a toaster oven fire can be out before the fire department arrives, yet still leave a brown film on every cabinet, a burned smell through the whole house and a damaged range hood. The independent restoration companies we connect you with know how to remove grease and protein residue without ruining finishes, and how to stop the smell from coming back.
What a kitchen fire leaves behind
- Protein residue on cabinets, walls and ceilings — yellow-brown and hard to see, but very smelly
- Grease soot inside the range hood, ductwork and above the cooktop
- Scorched cabinets, countertops and backsplash next to the stove
- Damaged appliances — range, microwave, hood and anything plugged in nearby
- Smoke odor carried to the rest of the house through the HVAC system and open floor plans
- Extinguisher residue — dry chemical powder that is corrosive and should be cleaned quickly
How kitchen fire cleanup is done
- Make it safe. Power and gas to damaged appliances are shut off and appliances are checked before use.
- Remove what can't be saved. Exposed food, scorched cabinet sections, damaged hood filters and burned items.
- Degrease. Enzyme and alkaline cleaners break down protein and grease residue on cabinets — inside, outside and in every drawer.
- Clean the rest of the house. Walls, ceilings and soft furnishings in rooms the smoke reached, plus the ductwork.
- Deodorize. Hydroxyl, fogging or ozone treatment to neutralize the remaining odor — see smoke odor removal.
- Repair and refinish. Replacing or refinishing cabinets, countertops and backsplash; sealing and repainting walls.
Book a kitchen fire damage inspection today and stop grease residue from setting.
Condos, townhomes and rentals
Kitchen fires in Annapolis-area condos and townhomes often affect neighbors through shared walls and ventilation. In a condo, your HO-6 policy usually covers your unit's interior and belongings while the association's master policy covers the building and common areas. In a rental, the landlord's policy covers the structure and your renters policy covers your belongings and temporary housing. Report the fire to management or your landlord right away.
See also soot damage cleanup and smoke damage restoration, or go back to fire damage restoration in Annapolis.
Kitchen fire questions
Why does a small kitchen fire smell so bad?
Burned food and grease leave protein residue: a thin, almost invisible film with a very strong, sour smell. It coats cabinets, walls, ceilings and the inside of drawers and vents throughout the home, and it needs enzyme or alkaline cleaners rather than ordinary soap.
Can my kitchen cabinets be saved after a fire?
Cabinets that were only exposed to smoke and protein residue can usually be cleaned inside and out and refinished. Cabinets that were scorched, warped or soaked by firefighting water usually need replacing.
Is it safe to use my appliances after a kitchen fire?
Don't use any appliance that was near the flames or covered in soot until it has been inspected. Heat can damage wiring and gas connections, and soot inside a range hood or microwave can reignite.
Does insurance cover a kitchen fire?
Yes, an accidental kitchen fire is a covered peril under standard Maryland homeowners and renters policies. The cleanup, smoke damage to the rest of the home and damaged contents are usually included, less your deductible.