Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500004
06/24/03

Cleaning Textiles After A Fire


One research study on the effectiveness of home-cleaning
solutions suggests that home laundering of washable items
with commercially available products may eliminate the
need for more costly methods of removing smoke damage. In
the study, four smoke-damaged fabrics were laundered by
using one of four cleaning solutions. For all four
fabrics, the liquid detergent and the combination of
powder laundry detergent and bleach were most effective
in removing smoke damage. Results obtained from
laundering with powder detergent alone or with dry-
cleaning solutions were less consistent.

Vacuum curtains and draperies thoroughly, then
launder in plenty of suds or have them dry-cleaned--
according to fabric.

Some heavy smoke odor and discoloration may be
removed from sheets, pillowcases and towels by pre-
soaking in warm suds for several hours, or dry cleaning
first to loosen heavy oil-based soot.

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus, with references from Missouri
Extension bulletin After the Fire is Out.

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