How Do Pros Handle Smoke-Damaged Belongings in Storage?

The first step is a careful triage of everything in storage. Pros inspect each item for soot, smoke residue, and structural damage. They separate porous items like cardboard, mattresses, and upholstered furniture from non-porous ones like glass, metal, and plastic.

Items that are heavily charred, melted, or have absorbed deep smoke odors may be set aside as unsalvageable. For the rest, pros consider the material, the extent of contamination, and whether cleaning is likely to restore the item. This sorting helps you know what to expect before any cleaning begins. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

• Check for visible soot and charring
• Smell test for odor absorption
• Separate porous from non-porous items
• Note items with sentimental or high value
• Document everything with photos for your insurance records

After dry cleaning, pros may use wet cleaning methods for items that can tolerate moisture. They use mild detergents or specialized smoke cleaners, applied with soft cloths or brushes. Rinsing is done carefully to avoid water damage, especially for wood or electronics.

Deodorizing is a separate step. Pros may use thermal fogging or ozone generators to neutralize smoke odors at a molecular level. These treatments are done in a controlled environment, often requiring items to be sealed in a chamber. Ozone is effective but can damage some materials, so pros test first.

• Use HEPA vacuums to remove loose soot
• Apply dry chemical sponges on hard surfaces
• Launder washable fabrics with odor-neutralizing agents
• Use ultrasonic cleaning for delicate items like jewelry or electronics
• Consider ozone treatment for deep odor removal
• Wipe metal items with anti-corrosion protectant

Once cleaned, items need proper storage to prevent recontamination. Pros recommend using sealed plastic bins or Mylar bags instead of cardboard boxes. Clean items should be placed in a dry, ventilated area, away from any remaining smoke sources.

If you live in Bellingham, the mild marine climate can affect stored items, so keep your storage area dry and controlled. Check items periodically for any lingering odor or soot. If you have water damage alongside smoke, consider a water damage inspection to ensure your storage space is safe.