Before the first load of laundry
- Photograph each closet and dresser as it is, before anything is moved
- Ask your adjuster whether contents will be cleaned by a specialist or handled by you
- Set aside anything charred, melted or wet with firefighting water
- Separate heavily smoked items from lightly smoked ones
- Keep a list of items you clean yourself and the costs of detergent, laundromat and dry cleaning
What works and what makes it worse
Dry soot on fabric should be removed before water touches it. Shaking items outdoors, away from the house, and vacuuming with a HEPA-filtered vacuum and upholstery tool lifts loose particles. Putting sooty clothes straight into the washer can drive particles into the fibers and leave a gray cast that is hard to remove.
For washable items, cool or warm water with a good detergent usually works better than hot water at first. Several washes may be needed. Check each item before drying, because heat from the dryer can set any stain or odor that remains. Air drying outdoors on a breezy, dry Colorado day can help with mild odor.
Dry-clean-only clothing, wool, silk, leather and formal wear are better handled by a dry cleaner with smoke damage experience or a contents restoration specialist. Some use ozone rooms or specialty cleaning processes for odor, which can work well on textiles but should be done by people trained to use them safely.
Fabric by fabric
| Item | Usually | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton and synthetic clothing | Washable at home | Repeat washes; check before drying |
| Wool, silk, suits, coats | Professional cleaning | Avoid home washing that can shrink or stain |
| Bedding and pillows | Sheets washable; pillows often replaced | Foam and down hold odor deeply |
| Curtains and drapes | Depends on fabric and lining | Check care labels; heavy drapes often need specialists |
| Leather jackets and shoes | Specialist cleaning | Water can stain leather; dry methods first |
| Mattresses | Often replaced | Smoky mattresses are very hard to deodorize |
Home laundry method for lightly smoked clothing
Remove loose soot outdoors
Shake gently or vacuum with a HEPA vacuum, wearing gloves and a mask.
Small loads
Wash smaller loads than usual so water circulates freely.
Inspect wet
Hold each piece up to light and smell it before it goes near the dryer.
Rewash as needed
Repeat the wash for items that still smell or show gray residue.
Clean the washer
Run an empty cycle afterward so residue does not transfer to the next load.
Common questions
Should I add vinegar or baking soda?
Some people find these help with mild odor, but follow fabric care labels and test first. Heavily smoked items usually need professional cleaning.
Can I claim clothing I washed and saved?
Cleaning costs are often part of a contents claim. Keep receipts and your list so the adjuster can see what was cleaned and what was lost.
General information for Centennial, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.