Are You Sending Garments To An Ordinary Dry Cleaner Post-Fire Damage? Here's What You Should Do With Clothes Instead

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

It doesn't take much for a fire to damage everything in its wake. The smoke, soot, odor, and water damage typical of fire damage is hard enough to clean up, but what do you know about cleaning textiles post-fire? One thing you should keep in mind with garments after fire damage is NOT to send them to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning can set off smoke odors, making cleaning even more difficult. Below, we have listed what you should do with clothes post-fire, as well as what else you shouldn't do after a fire at your Bellevue home or business. 

What Should You REALLY Do With Clothes After A Fire? 

• Since soot is oily, it can easily stain items, so you shouldn't touch upholstery, curtains, and other furniture after a fire. It is best to call the professionals to do heavy-duty garment cleaning, but you can also do some DIY cleaning while waiting for the experts. 
• Some soot can be removed by holding a vacuum cleaner nozzle slightly off the surface of the textile to be cleaned. You shouldn't use the vacuum cleaner as a whole to do a deep clean of soot because it can ruin the machine! 
• Removing smoke odor from clothing after a fire should also be high on your list of priorities. Unless properly deodorized, smoke can remain in clothes, carpets, draperies, and upholstered furniture. 
• At SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville, we use wet or dry cleaning methods as necessary to clean and maintain fabrics. It is a good rule of thumb to clean fabrics every two years whether you have experienced a natural disaster or not.  

What Else Shouldn't You Do After A Fire? 

• Don't attempt to wash or paint any walls or surfaces without contacting us! This also goes for shampooing carpets and upholstery. 
• If any canned or packaged food or beverage has been stored near the fire, heat, or water, do NOT use it!
• Wiring may be damaged post-fire, so you should refrain from turning on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. 
• Unless you've contacted a reliable repair service, you shouldn't clean any electrical appliances that have been close to a fire, water, or heat. 

Need fire damage restoration and cleaning services? SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville is here to help! Our "restore vs. replace" mentality ensures that you save money while being able to hold onto precious keepsakes that are irreplaceable. Contact us at (615) 242-9391, and let us be a part of your Bellevue restoration journey! This franchise is independently owned and operated.