How do I clean my Furniture after a fire?

Cleaning Furniture After A Fire:

The Do’s & Don’Ts of Cleaning Your own contents After a Fire

Dealing with the aftermath of a large fire can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to getting your home and belongings back together. Furniture damaged by soot and smoke during a large fire requires the years of expertise and certifications only a professional restoration company can offer. But what do you do if you experience a relatively small fire that caused minimal damage? It is important to note that almost cases of smoke and fire damage are covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy, but in some cases the amount of damage may not be worth filing a claim. In other cases, some items have sentimental value that you want to keep but the insurance carrier may only pay to replace them rather than restore them. 

No matter the reason, if you choose to proceed with cleaning your own items after a fire, following these guidelines will help you clean and salvage your cherished furniture. Understanding the right methods to clean and restore your items is crucial in preserving them. Some items can safely be cleaned at home, while others require the care of a professional contents restoration company.

Assessing the Damage:

Before beginning the cleaning process, it’s important to assess the extent of the damage. Check for charring, soot, and smoke damage. The type of material your furniture is made of (wood, upholstery, metal, etc.) will determine how much you can reasonably attempt to salvage on your own and in choosing the appropriate cleaning method. Be aware that water damage from firefighting efforts can also impact the furniture, and in many cases, professional restoration might be necessary.

Safety First:

Personal safety should be your top priority. Always wear protective gear like gloves, masks, and long sleeves to avoid contact with harmful soot and smoke residue. Ensure the area is well-ventilated. If the furniture is heavily damaged or you suspect toxic contamination, consider consulting a professional restoration service to avoid health risks.

Cleaning Soot and Smoke Residue:

On hard surfaces, use a soft bristle brush to remove any larger pieces of dirt or debris , then try gently wiping off the soot with a dry, lint-free cloth. If streaks or smearing occur, stop wiping immediately. You’ll need a professional-grade soot sponge to remove the soot and oils.  Avoid using water or other chemical agents initially, as it can also mix with the soot causing streaks or drive the soot deeper into the material. Depending on the type of fire, oil and other particulates may be mixed in the soot, and water will only make the situation worse. After the initial wipe-down of solid pieces like wood furniture, use a wood-cleaning product or a solution of mild soap and water, applied with a soft cloth.

For upholstered furniture, vacuuming with a HEPA-filter vacuum is required before any wet cleaning. Most furniture manufacturers include extra material inside the cushion or underneath for testing purposes. Test any cleaners on these small, inconspicuous areas first to ensure they don’t cause damage to the fabric like bleaching. It is important to test for color-fastness, how the soot reacts, and to make sure any cleaning agents do not damage the fabric itself. Be gentle and patient; rushing the process can result in further damage. If there are stains in the fabric, consider purchasing a consumer-grade stain extractor to thoroughly clean the fabric. The longer the stains are on the upholstery, the harder they will be to remove. If too much time has passed, it may be impossible to remove the stains.

Deodorizing and Final Touches:

Smoke odors can be stubborn and persistent. Baking soda is a gentle, natural deodorizer you can use on most materials. Lightly sprinkle the baking soda on upholstered surfaces and let it sit for 30 minutes before vacuuming off. For wood furniture, a vinegar and water solution can help neutralize odors. Finally, consider using furniture polish or conditioner for wooden pieces to restore luster and protect the surface. If you still smell smoke in an area after cleaning, then fine particulates are still present and the soot has not been thoroughly cleaned. It can be very difficult to fully remove smoke odors because the particles are so small they penetrate deep into materials. Professional help & equipment such as hydroxyl generators, ozone generators, thermal foggers & Clo2 treatments may be needed to fully neutralize the odor.

Seeking Professional Help:

In cases of severe soot coverage or damage, damage to antiques or extremely valuable items, it's advisable to seek professional furniture restoration services. An IICRC-certified contents restorer has the proven knowledge, specialized techniques and products to restore fire-damaged furniture effectively. They’re specially trained in fabric identification, cleaning solutions and equipment that are often beyond the reach of the average DIYer and not commercially available. They may also be able to help address structural damage and deep-set odors caused by the fire.

On a covered insurance claim, it’s important to check with your carrier first if they will still cover the cost to restore or replace an item if you attempt to clean it yourself and your efforts are unsuccessful or cause additional damage to the item. Also, most insurance carriers won’t compensate you for all the time you spend cleaning those items either, even though these services are part of what you’ve been paying for with your insurance premium. Handing over the reins to a professional restoration company is always the way to go when dealing with a covered fire, smoke, water or mold claim.

If you find yourself in a situation where cleaning your own furniture after a fire is a necessity, it can be a challenging but rewarding process. With careful assessment, the right cleaning methods, and patience, you can breathe new life into your valued possessions. Remember: when in doubt, professional advice and services are your best bet. If you have questions about how to properly clean an item after a fire or assistance with your insurance claim, send us a note!