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Post by cindyupnorth on Jun 3, 2017 21:50:29 GMT
I've googled different things, but want stuff that people have actually TRIED. My dd's boyfriend's house was damaged by a fire this wk. Right now he's staying in our spare room while he figures out what he is going to do. They went and got some of his stuff from the house that was able to be saved. All his clothes smell like smoke/fire. I've washed them once in tide, but I still smell it. Has anyone tried vinegar? does that work? Also he has some sentimental things, like a teddy bear, and wool army hat from his grand parent. What in the world do I do with those?
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Post by myshelly on Jun 3, 2017 21:53:25 GMT
I have good friends who had a house fire recently.
A cleaning company was sent by the insurance company. They took all clothes, toys, linens, etc. that could be saved, professionally cleaned them, and returned them to the family.
My point is : what does the insurance company say?
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Post by anniefb on Jun 3, 2017 22:02:08 GMT
I believe that smoke damage often requires specialist professional cleaning. As myshelly says, I'd contact the insurance company rather than trying to clean things myself - you may just set the damage so the smell can't be removed. |
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Post by bc2ca on Jun 3, 2017 22:05:54 GMT
I'd try baking soda with the teddy bear and hat. Generously sprinkle baking soda all over the items, put in a paper bag for a few days and then shake out/vacuum the item.
ETA I assumed he didn't have insurance. If he does, absolutely let them take care of it.
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Post by ktdoesntscrap on Jun 3, 2017 23:45:48 GMT
We had a house fire when I was a kid and our insurance cleaned everything.
If he doesn't have insurance.. try white vinegar. It is an excellent deodorizer
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 10, 2024 4:13:02 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 3, 2017 23:48:41 GMT
Lysol in the small brown bottle. A capful. Hang the clothes outside to dry.
Don't spill the Lysol on you, wash your hands thoroughly.
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Post by mom on Jun 3, 2017 23:52:06 GMT
industrial supply stores will carry a solution that will work on clothing. Check with them. Your best bet on the bear and hat is a good long time dry cleaner.
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georgiapea
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,846 
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Post by georgiapea on Jun 4, 2017 1:07:01 GMT
Oh, dear, I'd rather smell smoke than Lysol.
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Post by eversograceful1 on Jun 4, 2017 2:10:51 GMT
Baking soda was the thing that worked for us. That said, not everything could be salvaged.
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Post by cindyupnorth on Jun 4, 2017 2:17:46 GMT
"My point is : what does the insurance company say?"
I don't think that is in play here. It was a rental. I doubt they have rental insurance. The family is very dysfunctional. It would take me many many pages to go in to it. There is no money for professional cleaning, and I'm not paying for it.
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Post by Horse scrap on Jun 4, 2017 2:23:02 GMT
My sisters house burned down. My mom and I took some of the clothing to wash and deodorize. The soot and residue ended up causing moms washer to quit working due to biuild up. Just something to consider.
Hoping the young man has insurance!
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Post by cindyupnorth on Jun 4, 2017 2:27:45 GMT
The clothes are not sooty at all, just smell. I did try a cup of vinegar, and cup of baking soda tonight, and that seemed to do a good job. I still smelled a faint smell, but my dh and dd said they didn't. I have always been scent sensitive though.
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Post by my.unquiet.mind on Jun 4, 2017 3:44:35 GMT
We had our things professionally cleaned by a company the insurance company recommended when we had a house fire several years ago. Even then, most of our clothes were never the same-they smelled sort of funny and were very stiff and rough to the touch. We ended up getting rid of almost all of them.
My grandma tried her hand at cleaning up one of our son's stuffed animals. We thought it was a goner because of the amount of soot and odor present, but she managed to get almost all of the soot and all of the smell out. I guess sometimes it just takes a human touch to get the job done.
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Jun 4, 2017 3:47:48 GMT
I don't have any suggestions but am sorry to hear about the fire.
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flute4peace
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,757
Jul 3, 2014 14:38:35 GMT
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Post by flute4peace on Jun 4, 2017 6:30:43 GMT
Definitely the cleaning company. Insurance should cover it. Or they may replace, in which case you'll have to destroy the damaged.
When DH or I have been at a fire I usually just wash them a couple of times without drying in between. If it's a really awful smell (plastic-lined couch cushions omg) I'll leave them outside for a couple days first.
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Post by cindyupnorth on Jun 4, 2017 15:34:10 GMT
There will be no insurance coverage, or settlement. Pretty 100% sure of this. Very dysfunctional family. Her boyfriend had pretty much been barely living with them and helping them out, but now has cut ties. I'm pretty sure IF there is any coverage/ money, his family would not give him any.
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Deleted
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May 10, 2024 4:13:02 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2017 15:38:08 GMT
Oh, dear, I'd rather smell smoke than Lysol. You only use a bit and the smell is very nice. More so if you put your laundry outside in the sun. |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 10, 2024 4:13:02 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2017 15:41:16 GMT
Putting the stuff out in full sun will be the best thing to do.
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Post by cindyupnorth on Jun 4, 2017 16:13:50 GMT
Yep, it's a nice day, so I have all his bedding hanging out!
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