Cleanup After a Fire: What to Keep and What to Throw Away

This Article Covers:

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

A house fire is devastating, but the challenges don’t stop when the flames are out. Afterward, when you must cleanup after a fire, homeowners must make tough decisions about what to keep and what to discard. While it’s tempting to hold onto certain items, many can pose serious health risks due to smoke, soot, and chemical contamination.

The process can feel overwhelming, especially when emotions are high. However, knowing what’s safe to save—and what should be discarded—helps protect your family’s well-being during recovery. With the support of professional fire damage restoration, you can ensure your home is safe and thoroughly restored after a fire.

Smoke and Soot Damage

Even after a fire has been extinguished, the damage caused by smoke and soot can continue to escalate. Items like furniture, electronics, and fabrics tend to absorb smoke, trapping the smell and harmful chemicals. 

Soot, on the other hand, can leave permanent stains on materials like wood and upholstery. Its corrosive nature can ruin electronics, potentially causing them to fail completely. If soot spreads into your HVAC system, it can circulate dangerous particles throughout your home.

Beyond the lingering odors, the health risks associated with smoke and soot should not be underestimated. Soot can contain carcinogens, which can be harmful when inhaled over time. Additionally, structural components of your home—such as drywall, insulation, and framing—can absorb soot and moisture, creating the perfect environment for mold growth and decay. If left untreated, these issues can weaken your walls and compromise electrical systems.

Water Damage and Mold Risks

The water used to put out a fire can cause significant damage. It can permeate walls, floors, and furniture, warping and weakening structural materials. Left untreated, water damage can even become as severe as a fire.

Damp areas, especially hidden spaces, are prone to mold growth, which can start within 72 hours with ideal conditions. Mold spreads quickly, harming surfaces and indoor air quality and causing respiratory problems and allergies. The combined effects of fire, smoke, and water damage make post-fire restoration 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. This check ensures no risks are overlooked.
• Take an inventory: List damaged items and their condition. This will track what needs replacing or restoring.
• Check for Structural Issues: Look for signs of structural damage. Cracks in walls or ceilings could mean damage that could compromise safety.
• Identify Water Damage: Water used to extinguish the fire can cause warping or staining. Address any water damage promptly to prevent further deterioration.
• Note Fire and Soot Damage: Soot and fire residue can affect various surfaces. Inspect all affected areas carefully for proper cleaning and repair.
• Document Damage: Take photos and videos of damaged areas for your insurance. This documentation will help streamline your claims process.

Pro Tip: In older buildings, inspect for potential asbestos damage. Fire can disturb asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), releasing harmful fibers. Ensure proper handling and remediation. This is best done by professionals.

Protect Yourself During Cleanup

If you decide to start cleaning before professional help arrives, be sure to protect yourself.

• Wear Protective Clothing: Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Use gloves, masks (an N-95 or better), and eye protection to avoid exposure to toxic particles.
• Careful Disposal: Ideally, professionals should handle the removal of damaged items. If you must handle items yourself, use sealed plastic bags to dispose of them safely and prevent the spread of contaminants.
• Handle with Care: Always use gloves. Avoid touching heavily damaged items that may contain hazardous chemicals or pose health risks. Do not touch surfaces with ungloved hands, as the oils from your skin can help embed the soot onto sheetrock. 
• Be Aware of Slip Hazards from water and debris.
• Maintain Good Hygiene: Wash your hands often (especially before eating or drinking) and change out of your work clothes when leaving the scene.
• Do Not Use Common household cleaners. These products can smear the soot and cause dangerous chemical reactions. Professional remediators use products meant for soot cleanup, like dry chemical sponges, odor neutralizers and degreasers.

What to Throw Away After a Fire

Knowing what to discard after a fire is essential for safety and health. Throw out items exposed to flames, extreme heat, or contaminated by smoke or soot. Perishable food exposed to the fire’s heat or smoke must also be thrown away. Contamination may have irreparably damaged these materials or made them a health risk.

Perishable and Non-Perishable Foods

Any food—whether perishable or non-perishable—that was exposed to heat, smoke, or firefighting chemicals should be discarded. This includes:

• Refrigerated and frozen food 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 out. Plastic molecules open up from heat during a fire, contaminating the food stored inside them.
• Damaged canned foods, especially those that are bulging, rusted, or stained, since they may be unsafe for consumption.

Pet Food

Both dry and canned pet food should be thrown away if exposed to fire, smoke, or heat.

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 that have been 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 more below).
• Personal belongings: Items like books, photos, and electronics can be irreparably damaged 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.

Contaminated Plastics

Plastic items that are stained, melted, or have absorbed smoke should not be saved, as they can release toxic fumes or be structurally compromised. This includes:

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

Mattresses and Pillows

Mattresses and pillows can absorb smoke, 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 appear undamaged, it’s best to discard these items after exposure to heat and smoke.

When in doubt about an item’s safety, it’s always safer to dispose of it. Health and safety should be the top priority when deciding what to keep or discard after a house fire.

Things That Can Be Salvaged

After a house fire, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but not everything is beyond saving. Many items, especially those made from durable, non-porous materials, can often be cleaned and restored with the right methods.

Even cherished possessions like heirlooms, metal appliances, and glass items may be saved with professional cleaning and restoration services. Recovery is possible, and with the right help, you can preserve more than you might expect.

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 and restored.
• Steel or aluminum furniture: Metal furniture may sustain minimal damage and can often be cleaned and polished to remove any soot or discoloration.
• Metal decor items: Decorative metal objects are usually recoverable with proper cleaning, as they are less prone to absorbing smoke.
• 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 efforts, it’s important to dry them quickly to prevent warping. For the best results, professional restoration services are recommended.

Additionally, many stone and ceramic materials can withstand high temperatures and 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 s 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 involving an odor neutralizer and degreaser, 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 if they weren’t directly exposed to flames, excessive heat, or water. However, professional cleaning and inspection are recommended to ensure they are safe to use. 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 not directly burned)

Fabrics that were not in direct contact with flames 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 is likely to be protected from significant damage and can usually be washed or dry-cleaned to remove the smoke smell.
• Curtains: Fabric curtains that weren’t burned can often be professionally cleaned to remove soot and lingering odors.
• Bedding: Sheets, blankets, and comforters may also be restored with deep cleaning, provided they were not directly 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, such as:

• Books with minimal smoke damage: Books that were 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: Washing machines are generally durable and can usually be cleaned and repaired if they haven’t sustained direct damage 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 caused by smoke or soot.

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.

How to Reduce Smoke Odor 

Smoke smells can deeply penetrate fabrics, furniture, and walls. This odor makes thorough deodorizing essential. Smoke particles embed into porous surfaces like fabric, wood, and drywall, leaving stubborn, long-lasting odors that require specialized removal techniques.

• Remove smoke from the air: Use air purifiers with HEPA filters and fans to help clear particles, improving indoor air quality and reducing lingering odors.
• Open the windows for air circulation if the weather is nice.
• Call a professional restoration company: It is best to hire professionals who use advanced equipment and techniques. They will clean all surfaces, including walls, ceilings, fixtures, and contents in affected rooms.

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 call a restoration professional after a fire is key to properly restoring your property. Fire damage experts have the tools and experience to handle the challenges of cleaning, restoring, and deodorizing your home, ensuring it’s safe and livable again. 

Call for professional help:

• If you’re unsure how to restore fire-damaged items
• If you’ve experienced significant soot or smoke damage
• If you need help removing odor from smoke 
• If you have water damage from firefighting efforts 
• If you need help cleaning up fire extinguisher dust
• If your furniture or upholstery is smoke-damaged
• If you’re worried about hidden damage
• If you need help with insurance claims
• If mold growth is a concern
• If you have structural damage

Restore Your Home After a Fire with PuroClean of Matawan

At PuroClean of Matawan, we understand the stress and urgency following a fire. Whether you’re dealing with fire residue, water damage from firefighting, or lingering odors, prompt professional attention is crucial to prevent issues like mold growth or structural damage. Contact us today for immediate, expert fire and water damage restoration. Call 732-351-2442.

Our IICRC-certified, background-checked technicians specialize in property damage restoration and are available 24/7 to help restore your home or business. PuroClean of Matawan proudly serves Matawan, NJ, and surrounding areas.