How to Safely Handle and Restore Fire-Damaged Clothing

12/11/2024 (Permalink)

Whether it’s your favorite outfit or a sentimental piece, restoring fire-damaged clothing is important.

Dealing with the aftermath of a fire can be overwhelming, and while most people focus on major repairs, clothing is often overlooked. Whether it’s your favorite outfit or a sentimental piece, restoring fire-damaged clothing is important. SERVPRO of Haywood & Transylvania Counties is here to share some expert tips on how to safely handle and restore clothing after a fire.

Why Restoring Fire-Damaged Clothing Matters

When a fire happens, your clothing can absorb smoke, soot, water, and even chemicals from fire extinguishers. Without proper care, these items may be ruined for good. Acting quickly can make the difference between saving or tossing your favorite clothes.

Steps to Safely Handle and Restore Clothing After a Fire

1. Assess the Damage

Before cleaning anything, take a moment to check out the extent of the damage. Look for soot, smoke stains, or water spots. Some items may be beyond saving, but many pieces can be restored with the right approach. You will want to be cautious when handling these items as they will be fragile, especially if they sustain heat and water damage. 

2. Sort by Fabric Type

Different fabrics react differently to fire damage. Delicate materials like silk or wool will need extra care compared to sturdier items like cotton or denim. Separate your clothes by fabric type before you start cleaning to avoid further damage.

3. Avoid Regular Laundry Detergent

It might be tempting to throw everything into the washing machine with regular detergent, but this can actually make things worse. Soot is oily and can stick to fabric, and regular detergent might lock in stains and odors. Instead, use special cleaning agents meant for fire damage, or consult a professional cleaning service.

4. Consider Professional Dry Cleaning

For delicate or heavily damaged items, professional dry cleaning might be the best option. Certified fire restoration services, like SERVPRO®, have access to advanced cleaning tools that can effectively remove smoke and soot from clothing without causing more damage.

5. DIY Cleaning Tips for Minor Damage

If the damage isn’t too severe, you might be able to clean some items at home. Here are a few tips:

• Rinse with cold water first: This helps wash away as much soot as possible before using any cleaners.
• Use vinegar or baking soda: These natural products can help neutralize smoke smells.
• Avoid high heat: High heat can make soot stains permanent, so air-drying or using low heat is a safer choice.

6. Dealing with Lingering Odors

Even after cleaning, smoke odors can stick around. Odor-neutralizing sprays or charcoal-based products can help, but for tough odors, you might need an ozone treatment. This treatment uses ozone gas to break down and remove bad smells, and it’s often done by professional restoration companies like SERVPRO.

When to Call the Pros

If you’re dealing with fire damage and need help with clothing restoration, our team is here to assist you. Our team can remove soot, eliminate odors, and restore your wardrobe back to normal!