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What Can You Clean After a Fire and What You Should Not

Last updated October 25, 2026

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The short answer

Items You Can Save

Non-porous surfaces often clean up well after a fire. Glass, ceramic tile, metal cookware, and hard plastics can typically be wiped down with dry chemical sponges or specialized soot cleaners. These materials do not absorb smoke particles, so you can usually remove the residue with careful work.

Your clothing and bedding may also be salvageable, but only with professional laundering. Regular home washing machines rarely remove smoke odor completely. The pros use industrial-grade equipment and specialized detergents designed for fire restoration. If you live in Burnsville, ask about local cleaning options for your textiles.

What You Should Throw Away

Porous materials absorb smoke and toxic residue deep into their structure. Drywall, insulation, carpet padding, and unsealed wood framing typically cannot be cleaned effectively. Even after surface cleaning, these items continue releasing odors and potentially harmful particles into your air.

Food items should also go, including unopened canned goods. The heat can compromise seals and create bacterial growth. Your refrigerator contents and any open packages are not safe to keep. When in doubt, discard it. Your health matters more than saving a few items.

  • Drywall and plaster
  • Insulation materials
  • Carpet and padding
  • Upholstered furniture
  • Mattresses and pillows
  • Open food or damaged cans

Cleaning Safety Basics

Soot is not just dirty, it contains acids and chemicals that can irritate your skin, eyes, and lungs. Always wear gloves, a respirator mask, and protective clothing before touching anything. Ventilate the space by opening windows if the weather allows, but do not run fans that could spread soot further.

Do not attempt to wash soot with water or regular cleaners. Water can drive soot deeper into surfaces and make the damage worse. Dry-cleaning sponges work for many hard surfaces. For anything else, wait for a professional assessment. Your safety comes first, so leave the area if you feel unwell.

When to Call the Pros

Fire damage goes far beyond what you can see. Smoke travels through your entire home, including behind walls and inside ductwork. The pros have specialized equipment like air scrubbers and thermal foggers that remove odors from deep within your home's structure. They also know how to handle hazardous residue safely.

If the fire was large or spread through multiple rooms, call for help before attempting any cleaning. The pros can evaluate what is salvageable and what needs replacement. They use techniques that go beyond surface cleaning, such as ozone treatments and ultrasonic cleaning for delicate items. Their work typically involves several steps, each addressing different types of damage.

Insurance and Your Next Steps

Your insurance company will want a detailed list of damaged items. Take photos of everything before you throw anything away. Keep receipts for any purchases you make after the fire. Document the condition of each room and item carefully. This helps your claim process move smoothly.

Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Check your policy to understand what your coverage includes. Do not start cleaning before your insurance adjuster has seen the damage, unless you have permission. Premature cleaning can destroy evidence and complicate your claim. Ask your insurance company for guidance on what to do next.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I clean my walls after a fire?

You can wipe down non-porous wall surfaces like tile or glass with dry soot sponges. Painted drywall is porous and usually needs professional attention. Water-based cleaning can smear soot and make stains worse. Test a small area first, and always wear protective gear.

How do I remove smoke smell from clothes?

Regular washing rarely removes smoke odor completely. Professional laundering uses specialized equipment and detergents designed for fire restoration. If you attempt home washing, add vinegar to the rinse cycle and air dry outside. But professional treatment gives the right chance of saving your clothing.

What should I do with food after a fire?

Discard all open food and any items exposed to heat or smoke. Canned goods may look fine but heat can compromise seals and cause bacterial growth. Your refrigerator contents are not safe to keep. When in doubt, throw it out. Your health is more important than saving a few items.

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