How to Clean a Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher

Each home should have a fire extinguisher.

Dry chemical fire extinguishers, such as an ABC extinguisher, are the typical "at home" extinguishers for a small blaze in your house. After you put out a fire, you should thoroughly clean up the chemical powder immediately to prevent hazardous situations in your home. You do not need special equipment to clean up the powder, just your everyday home cleaning products.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum cleaner with attachments
• Face mask air filter (if applicable)

Instructions

1. Vacuum all of the powder left behind by the fire extinguisher.

2. Use the vacuum brush and tube attachments to get into corners and crevices that have any powder present. Refrain from using a wet towel or any water on the powder because it can become corrosive.

3. Throw away the vacuum bag into an outdoor dumpster or trash can. If you have a filter and canister vacuum, empty the filter and canister into large sealable bag first, and then place it in an outdoor trash can or bin. While emptying the canister, wear the face mask, and empty it only outdoors.

Tips & Warnings

• Feel free to wear the face air filter mask the whole time while you are cleaning the powder in case dust flies up.

References

• University of Colorado: Guideline for the Cleanup of ABC Fire Extinguisher Discharges
• Alpha Rubicon: The ABC's of Fire Extinguishers