Cleaning furniture after a fire is an overwhelming task. Where do you even start? What services do you trust with experts, and which can you handle on your own? One of the most unexpected items that could end up impacting your health is fire-damaged furniture that was improperly cleaned or unwisely kept (instead of being thrown out).
Fire and smoke are particularly detrimental to furniture. Fortunately, in most cases, furniture can be salvaged. Learn how different types of furniture should be cleaned after a fire, and why most times it’s a job best left to professionals.
If you’ve had a fire at your home or business, you need help now. Call us now for 24/7 emergency service. If you’re searching for a starting point, view our residential fire-damage restoration page for a list of immediate next steps to take after a fire.
How to Clean Smoke-Damaged Furniture
After a fire situation, furniture of wood, cloth and composite materials may harbor smoke or succumb to fire damage. Depending on the scale of the damage, furniture with actual fire damage will need to be attended to by a furniture restoration specialist. Furniture with smoke damage can typically be cleaned, but this will depend on the type of fabric. Natural fabrics like cotton are very absorbent and can be difficult to remove odors from and clean.
Manufacturers usually include cleaning codes on a furniture tag. This tag may be found on the bottom of the furniture or beneath a cushion. Be sure to check these codes before moving forward with any type of furniture or upholstery cleaning. Learn how to identify cleaning codes on your furniture.
Upholstered Furniture
After a fire, it’s safest to have upholstered furniture professionally cleaned or thrown out. It’s recommended that individuals do not move, sit on or wipe down smoke- or soot-damaged furniture. Keep in mind that some residues and odors may seep into soft, upholstered surfaces. In most situations, a remediation specialist can use specialized equipment to thoroughly clean all surfaces and eliminate smoke odor – reducing or eliminating the risk of contamination.
Wood and Plastic Furniture
Wooden and plastic furniture require precise, abrasive cleaning to remove smoke stains. Depending on the furniture item, a specialized wood cleaner or detergent may be used to clean and protect the finish.
Cleaning Furniture After a Fire
Even though it’s possible to clean smoke-damaged furniture, it is highly recommended that individuals work with trusted professionals to clean their furniture after a fire. A remediation specialist, like the technicians at Rainbow Restoration, will help you identify items that can be safely cleaned and items that should be thrown away – and will be able to eliminate smoke odor from salvageable furniture items.
Choose Rainbow Restoration for Upholstery and Fire Remediation Services
At Rainbow Restoration, we understand how overwhelming a fire can be. Our trusted, remediation-certified teams are on-call and ready to help you with all your fire-damage restoration needs. From carpet and upholstery cleaning to smoke-damage restoration for your home or business, there’s no job too big or too small.
Call our 24/7 emergency service line or schedule an appointment online with Rainbow Restoration.
