Cleaning Smoke-Damaged Textiles

Acting quickly is a necessity because acidic soot residue can begin discoloring plastics, bath fixtures, unprotected metals, countertops, and furniture almost immediately after the fire is put out. While these materials can be wiped down relatively quickly and so avoid permanent damage, fabrics are more difficult to clean. Even after a matter of days, clothing and furniture upholstery can become permanently stained.

Soap, water, and a sponge, as well as vacuuming and laundering, can go a long way towards removing discolorations and odors left by soot and smoke. However, there is only so much that a homeowner can do on his or her own. For instance, before textiles can be deodorized or cleaned, all soot must be removed with a heavy duty vacuum manufactured specifically for that purpose. Restoration contractors can then focus on removing the odor from the fabrics by using an ozone treatment, which breaks up the smoke molecules on the items.

After deodorizing household textiles, the items can be cleaned. Dry cleanable clothing and draperies should be taken to a professional dry cleaner. Some items, such as draperies and upholstered furniture will need to be cleaned in the home by a professional. Cleaning clothing is a bit easier and for the most part can be accomplished through several washings in warm water with a non-built liquid detergent or a low phosphate powder detergent and a liquid chlorine bleach. Some heavily damaged items will need to be washed as many as five times before the soot and smoke odor are removed.