What is the Best Way to Clean Fire Damaged Clothing and Toys in Wilmington?

2/13/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot can permeate fabrics. SERVPRO has the cleaners to remove the smoke and leave your home smelling fresh.

Cleaning Challenges After Fire Damage in Wilmington: Clothing and Toys

 When sorting through items damaged after a fire in Wilmington, a couple of categories cause more concern than others. The clothing you and your loved one’s wear could expose you to the potential of toxic substances potentially absorbed through contact. The toys your children treasure need not only to pass the skin contact test, but they also risk the possibility of being chewed or sucked, requiring a whole higher level of clean. 

 Preliminary Sorting

 Replacing an entire wardrobe for every occupant after fire damage in your Wilmington home is expensive and disruptive. With everything you need to accomplish during the aftermath, our ability to clean and restore most of your clothing is crucial. Initially, we need your help to prioritize the contents of your dressers and closets:

 (1) The clothing you and your family need immediately

(2) The clothing we can take longer to process

(3) The clothing that serves a seasonal or limited purpose

 We keep a detailed inventory of all clothing, including conditions and evolving plans for restoring or discarding.

 Cleaning and Deodorizing Clothing

 Many clothing articles are made solely or partially of synthetic fibers, permitting the bonding of smoke particles and odor molecules with the fabrics unless we move quickly. A brief run-down of the steps and techniques SERVPRO uses helps clarify the process.

•  Because metal hangers can oxidize due to smoke residues, staining clothing, we immediately remove clothing and discard the hangers.
•  Use techniques like brushing and directing compressed air to remove loose particles and accelerate the evaporation of odor molecules.
•  Check labels to determine the appropriate cleaning method -- laundering or dry cleaning.
•  Treat persistent odors that linger after cleaning with Solvent-based odor counteractants and Thermal fogging 

 Restoring Toys 

 It is vital that SERVPRO technicians clean and sanitizes playthings thoroughly before returning them to your children. No matter how much your young ones love the toys, if we cannot eradicate the smoke residues and fumes, the objects must be discarded. Drycleaning solvents are ineffective on soft items like stuffed animals. Fumes from the solvents can linger.

 SERVPRO of New Hanover has skilled employees who follow the restoration industry’s best practices when cleaning structures and contents. Give us a call at (910) 762-8180 to discuss your restoration options.

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