What to Keep and What to Throw Out After a Fire

This Article Covers:

• Water, Mold, Soot and Smoke Damage
• Safety Precautions When Cleaning Up After a Fire
• What to Throw Out After a Fire
• Things That Can Be Saved 
• When to Call a Professional Restoration Company

House fires are devastating, but the challenges continue after the flames are out. Homeowners must make tough decisions about what to keep and what to discard, as many items may be unsafe due to smoke, soot, and chemical contamination.

This process can feel overwhelming, especially with the emotional weight of loss. Knowing what’s safe to keep and what to throw out helps protect your family’s well-being. Professional fire damage restoration guarantees your home is safely restored.

Water, Mold, Soot and Smoke Damage

After a fire, smoke and soot continue to cause damage long after the flames are out. Furniture, electronics, and other textiles trap odors and harmful chemicals, while soot can stain materials, corrode electronics, and damage HVAC systems. Beyond the odors, soot contains carcinogens and can become a risk if not removed.

The water used to extinguish fires adds another layer of risk, soaking walls, floors, and furniture. If left untreated, water can be just as harmful as the fire itself, leading to mold growth within 72 hours, weakening structures, and negatively impacting indoor air quality. These dangers make post-fire restoration both complex and urgent.

Safety Precautions When Cleaning Up After a Fire

Inspect the Property and Assess the Damage

Once the fire department has declared your property safe to enter, assess the damage. Here’s what you need to do:

• Hire a Professional. A trained inspector can find hidden damage in vital areas, like the wiring, supports, and foundation. 
• Take an Inventory: List damaged objects and their condition. This list will help you track what needs to be replaced or restored.
• Check for Structural Issues: Cracks in walls or ceilings may indicate structural damage that compromises safety.
• Identify Water Damage: Water used to extinguish the fire can cause warping or staining. Address any water issues promptly to prevent further deterioration.
• Note Fire and Soot Damage: Soot and fire residue can affect various surfaces. Inspect all areas carefully for proper cleaning and repair.
• Document Damage: Take photos and videos of damaged areas for your insurance company. This documentation will help streamline the claims process. 

Determine If Your Home is Safe

Ensuring your home is safe after a house fire is a crucial step in the fire recovery process. Before entering your home, make sure the fire department has given you clearance to do so. Even if the fire appears to be out, there may be hidden structural damage, electrical hazards, or toxic fumes.

When inspecting your home, look for signs of damage, such as:

• Cracks in walls and ceilings: These can indicate structural damage.
• Sagging floors and roofs: These issues could be a sign of severe damage to the structure and should be inspected by a professional.
• Broken windows and doors: These can pose security risks and may need immediate attention.
• Water from firefighting efforts: Check for warping, staining, or mold growth, which can lead to further deterioration.
• Smoke and soot damage: Inspect all surfaces for soot and smoke residue, both of which can be harmful if not properly cleaned.

It’s also important to have professionals check for any potential health risks, such as:

• Mold and mildew growth: Mold can develop rapidly in damp conditions, potentially leading to serious health issues.
• Asbestos or lead contamination: Older homes may contain these hazardous materials, which can be disturbed by fire. 
• Carbon monoxide poisoning: Ensure that there are no lingering fumes that could be harmful.

If you’re unsure about the safety of your home, it’s best to consult a professional restoration company specializing in fire damage restoration. They assess the damage and offer guidance on the best course of action for rebuilding and recovery.

Protect Yourself During House Fire Cleanup 

If you begin cleaning before professionals arrive, protect yourself with these steps:

• Wear Protective Gear: To avoid exposure to harmful particles, wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, sturdy shoes, gloves, an N-95 mask, and eye protection.
• Dispose of Items Safely: Ideally, leave this to professionals. If necessary, place damaged items in sealed plastic bags to prevent spreading contaminants.
• Handle Carefully: Always wear gloves and avoid touching heavily damaged items or surfaces with bare hands, as oils can embed soot.
• Watch for Slip Hazards: Be mindful of water and debris on the floor.
• Practice Hygiene: Wash your hands regularly and change clothes when leaving the scene.
• Avoid Common Cleaners: Household products can smear soot or cause dangerous chemical reactions. Professionals use specialized tools like dry sponges and odor neutralizers during the fire damage restoration process. 

What to Throw Away After a Fire 

Knowing what to discard after a fire is essential for safety and health. 

Perishable and Non-Perishable Foods

Any food items—whether perishable or non-perishable—that were exposed to high heat, smoke, or firefighting chemicals should be discarded. High heat can spoil food by altering its chemical composition, making it unsafe to eat. 

This includes:

• Refrigerated and frozen foods if the power was out for more than four hours.
• Open or unsealed non-perishable foods that could have absorbed smoke or chemicals should be thrown out. 
• Plastic containers should also be thrown away. When exposed to high temperatures during a fire, plastic containers can degrade and release harmful chemicals, which may leach into the food stored inside.
• Damaged canned foods, especially those that are bulging, rusted, or stained, may be unsafe for consumption.

Pet Food

• If exposed to fire, smoke, or high heat, throw away dry and canned pet food.

Medications and Cosmetics

Heat can alter the chemical composition of medications and cosmetics, making them unsafe to use. Be sure to discard the following items if they were exposed to high temperatures:

• Prescription drugs
• Over-the-counter medicines
• Vitamins and supplements
• Makeup and skincare products

Burned or Charred Items

Any items directly affected by fire should be discarded, as they are likely unsafe or too damaged to restore. This includes:

• Clothing: Fabrics exposed to flames or intense heat may be structurally weakened or contaminated by harmful chemicals and soot, making them unsafe to wear. Also, Clothing hung on metal hangers sometimes needs to be disposed of because of soot impressions from the hanger. Have a professional restoration company come and assess the damaged clothing.
• Furniture: Upholstered furniture, wood, and other materials can absorb smoke and chemicals, posing health risks or creating unpleasant odors that are difficult to remove. (See furniture exceptions below).
• Personal belongings: Items like books, photos, and electronics can be damaged beyond repair by fire or smoke, and they may harbor dangerous contaminants that are unsafe to handle. 
• Photos: If you have photos damaged by water and smoke, try individually drying them. If you can’t dry them right away, place them in a bag in the freezer to prevent mold from forming. However, professional conservation is highly recommended.

Contaminated Plastics

Plastic items that are melted, stained, or have absorbed smoke should not be kept. They can release toxic fumes or may be structurally damaged. Items to discard include:

• Food containers: Melted or smoke-damaged plastic containers can leach harmful chemicals into food.
• Water bottles: Plastic bottles may absorb smoke or chemicals, and exposure to heat can cause them to warp, making them unsafe for drinking or reuse.
• Children’s toys: Plastic toys can absorb toxic particles from smoke and soot, potentially putting children at risk through touch or ingestion.
• Baby bottles and pacifiers: These items can absorb smoke and chemicals; any warping or heat damage can compromise their safety. It’s best to discard and replace baby-related plastic items exposed to fire.

When in doubt, it’s safer to discard compromised plastics to protect your health.

Mattresses and Pillows

Mattresses and pillows can absorb odors, soot, and toxic chemicals, making them unsafe after a fire. Their porous nature traps contaminants, leading to lingering odors and potential health risks. Even if they look undamaged, it’s best to discard these items.

Things That Can Be Salvaged After a House Fire

After a house fire, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but understanding that some things can saved can provide some relief. Many items, especially those made from durable, non-porous materials, can often be cleaned and restored using the right methods.

Metal Objects and Furniture

Many metal items can often be salvaged after a fire, as they are more resistant to heat and can typically be cleaned of soot and smoke. These include:

• Silverware: Although it may tarnish from soot and exposure to high temperatures, silverware can usually be cleaned.
• Steel or aluminum furniture: Metal furniture may sustain minimal damage and can often be cleaned and polished to remove soot or discoloration.
• Metal decor items: Decorative metal objects are usually recoverable with proper cleaning.
• Hard surfaces: Non-porous surfaces like countertops, metal cabinets, and shelving can be wiped down and restored with professional-grade cleaning agents.
• Hardwood floors: If not visibly charred, they can often be restored. If your floors get wet during firefighting, it’s important to dry them quickly to prevent warping. Prompt professional restoration is recommended for the best results.

Additionally, many stone and ceramic materials can withstand high temperatures and can be saved, including:

• Ceramic tiles: Heat typically causes little damage to ceramic tiles. Cleaning off soot and debris should be relatively easy. 
• Marble or granite countertops: These hard surfaces can endure heat exposure well and are often restorable with specialized cleaning techniques. Additionally, check for staining from items left on the countertops during the fire. If it can not be cleaned, there could be permanent damage.
• Porcelain fixtures: Items such as sinks and bathtubs are generally salvageable after a fire, as they are durable and can be effectively cleaned and disinfected.

Glass Items

Glass items are often salvageable after a fire, as they can withstand heat without absorbing smoke or soot. With careful cleaning, many of these items can be restored, including:

• Windows (if not cracked from heat): If windows haven’t cracked, they can be cleaned of soot and restored to their original clarity.
• Glassware and dishes: Non-porous and heat-resistant, most glassware and dishes can be washed and reused after a thorough cleaning. A mix of vinegar and dish soap may be effective for removing soot and stains from these items. However, professional restoration companies use a wash-and-rinse process that involves a smoke odor neutralizer and degreaser, followed by dish soap and another rinse.
• Mirrors: Mirrors are often restorable if the glass remains intact, though their frames may require additional attention or replacement depending on the material.

Electronics

Electronics can often be salvaged after a fire if they aren’t directly exposed to flames, excessive heat, or water. However, professional cleaning and inspection are recommended to ensure they are safe. You may be able to save:

• Computers: If not damaged by heat or water, computers can often be professionally cleaned and repaired to remove fire residue from internal components. 
• Televisions: Smoke and soot can affect TVs, but if the exterior and internal parts are intact, they may be restored with correct cleaning. 
• Smartphones: Phones exposed to smoke but not heat or water may still function properly after being thoroughly cleaned and checked by a professional.

Clothing and Fabrics (if they didn’t catch fire)

Fabrics that didn’t catch fire but were in areas with smoke exposure can often be cleaned and restored. This includes:

• Clothes in closed drawers or closets: Clothing stored in enclosed spaces often escapes significant damage. You can usually wash or dry-clean these items to remove smoke odors.
• Curtains: If your fabric curtains didn’t burn, professionals can clean them to remove soot and lingering smells.
• Bedding: Deep cleaning can restore sheets, blankets, and comforters, as long as they aren’t burned or exposed to extreme heat.

Books and Documents

While paper is vulnerable to fire and smoke, some books and important documents may still be recovered with minimal smoke damage. Specialized restoration methods, such as freeze-drying and deodorizing, can help recover these items, including:

• Books with minimal smoke damage: Books not directly exposed to fire or heavy soot can often be restored through careful cleaning and odor removal.
• Important papers in filing cabinets: Papers stored in filing cabinets or other enclosed spaces are more likely to survive and can be restored with proper treatment.

Jewelry and Precious Metals

Jewelry, especially those made from gems and precious metals, typically holds up well in fires. These items are resistant to heat and can usually be cleaned and restored, including:

• Gold, silver, and other precious metals: Heat-resistant metals like gold and silver may become tarnished by smoke, but they can often be polished back to their original condition.
• Gemstones: Most gemstones, like diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, can withstand high temperatures. They can usually be cleaned and restored to their original brilliance.

Hard Furniture

Hard furniture, especially solid wood or metal items, often survives fire damage if they aren’t directly burned or exposed to extreme heat. These pieces can typically be restored with cleaning and refinishing. Salvageable hard furniture includes:

• Wooden tables and chairs: Wood furniture can usually be saved, especially if it has a protective finish like polyurethane. Solid wood furniture may suffer surface damage from soot or smoke, but it can often be cleaned, sanded, and refinished to restore its original appearance. 

Pro Tip: Be sure to clean the underside of unfinished furniture. That area can hold smoke odor.

• Metal bed frames: Metal frames are highly resistant to fire and can usually be cleaned and reused with minimal effort.
• Desks: Wooden or metal desks, if structurally sound, can be refinished or cleaned to remove any soot or smoke damage.

Some Appliances (if not directly affected)

Major appliances not exposed to direct flames or water can often be saved after a fire. Appliances may require professional inspection to ensure they are safe to use, but many can be restored, such as:

• Refrigerators: While the exterior may need cleaning, refrigerators can often be salvaged unless exposed to excessive heat or smoke infiltration.
• Washing machines: They are generally durable and can usually be cleaned and repaired if they haven’t sustained damage directly from the fire.
• Dryers: Like washing machines, dryers are often redeemable, provided they haven’t been exposed to significant heat or water.

Photos and Artwork (May Require Professional Restoration)

Photos and artwork hold sentimental and monetary value. Smoke, soot, and heat can damage these items, but with careful treatment, they can often be preserved with the help of professional restoration services. Items that may be saved include:

• Framed photographs: Photos stored in frames, especially behind glass, are often protected from direct damage. However, they may need professional cleaning and deodorizing to remove any smoke or soot.
• Paintings: Original artwork, particularly oil and acrylic paintings, may require specialized cleaning to remove soot without damaging the paint or canvas.
• Sculptures: Depending on the material, sculptures made of stone, metal, or ceramics can often be restored by cleaning and repairing any superficial damage.

It’s important to note that saving these items depends on various factors, including the extent of fire, smoke, and water damage. A professional assessment can determine what can be safely restored. Always prioritize safety and consult with fire restoration experts before saving any items after a fire.

For specific cleaning solutions and more fire cleanup tips, visit the American Red Cross website. 

When to Call a Professional Restoration Company

Knowing when to contact a restoration professional after a fire is key to restoring your home or business. Fire damage experts have the right tools and experience to clean, restore, and deodorize your property, making sure it’s safe and ready to use again. 

Professional smoke damage restoration services are crucial for effectively handling the aftermath of a fire, ensuring thorough cleanup and recovery and preventing further damage. 

Call a Fire Damage Restoration Professional If:

• You’re unsure how to restore items with fire damage. 
• You’ve experienced significant soot or smoke damage
• You need help removing smoke odor
• You have water damage from firefighting efforts
• You need assistance cleaning up fire extinguisher dust
• Your furniture or upholstery is smoke-damaged
• You’re concerned about hidden damage
• You need help navigating insurance claims
• You’re concerned about mold growth
• You think you may have structural damage

Restore Your Home After a Fire with PuroClean Restoration Services

At PuroClean Restoration Services, we understand the stress and urgency that follows house fires. Whether you’re facing fire damage, water accumulation from putting out the fire, or stubborn odors, immediate professional attention is essential. Acting quickly helps prevent further issues like mold growth or structural damage.

Call us today at (908) 577-9120 for expert fire and water restoration. Our IICRC-certified and background-checked technicians are available 24/7 to restore your property.

We proudly serve Cranford, New Jersey, and the surrounding areas with prompt and reliable service.