A house fire is one of the most disruptive and emotional events a homeowner can experience. In the hours and days afterward, it can feel impossible to think clearly—yet the decisions you make early on can have a major impact on what you’re able to save, how quickly your home can recover, and how smoothly your insurance process moves forward.
This guide is designed for Calgary homeowners and property managers who need a clear, practical roadmap for contents recovery—what to do first, what to avoid, how to protect your health, how contents restoration works, and how odour removal, deodorization, and decontamination are performed professionally. You’ll also find a comprehensive section on how to remove the smell of smoke from clothing, including what you can safely do at home and when to involve a contents restoration specialist.
Calgary Contents is the trusted name in Southern Alberta when it comes to restoring valued, sentimental, antique, and irreplaceable items throughout your home, property, or business. We specialize in contents restoration after disasters, focusing on careful retrieval, professional cleaning, deodorization, decontamination, inventory, storage, and pack-back—approaching each job with compassion, respect, and attention to detail.
Table of Contents
- First 60 Minutes: Safety and Immediate Steps
- What to Do in the First 24–48 Hours
- Understanding Smoke, Soot, and Odour
- Before You Touch Anything: Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Insurance and Documentation: How to Set Yourself Up for Success
- Contents Recovery 101: Pack-Out, Cleaning, Storage, Pack-Back
- What Can Usually Be Saved vs. What Is Often Non-Restorable
- How Professional Deodorization and Decontamination Works
- How to Remove Smoke Smell from Clothing (Comprehensive Guide)
- Kitchen Items, Children’s Items, and Sensitive Belongings
- Electronics, Photos, Documents, and Heirlooms
- Timeline and Expectations: What Recovery Typically Looks Like
- When to Call Calgary Contents and What to Ask
- Checklist: A Calgary Homeowner’s Fire Recovery Action Plan
First 60 Minutes: Safety and Immediate Steps
Confirm everyone is safe and get medical help if needed
Your first priority is life safety. Smoke inhalation can cause delayed symptoms—coughing, headaches, nausea, shortness of breath—so if anyone was exposed, seek medical attention. Even if the fire appears “small,” the residue and airborne contaminants can be hazardous.
Do not re-enter until authorities say it’s safe
Only re-enter your home if the fire department or building authority has cleared it. Hidden structural damage, hot spots, electrical hazards, and compromised flooring are common after a fire.
Secure the property (without disturbing evidence)
If you are allowed to access the home, focus on preventing additional loss:
- Board-up or temporary fencing if required
- Close accessible windows/doors if safe
- Prevent water intrusion (tarps or temporary measures) if the roof or windows are compromised
If the cause is under investigation, avoid moving items unnecessarily.
Notify key parties
- Your insurance company (open a claim as soon as possible)
- Your landlord/property manager (if applicable)
- Utility providers if you suspect gas or electrical issues
- A trusted family member or friend to help you track calls and details
What to Do in the First 24–48 Hours
Arrange temporary housing and essentials
If the home is uninhabitable, prioritize stable housing, medications, identification, and essential clothing. If you can safely retrieve critical items, do so—but avoid prolonged exposure inside the property.
Reduce cross-contamination
Smoke odour and soot transfer easily. If you must collect items:
- Use clean bins with lids or new garbage bags
- Keep “possibly clean” items separate from smoke-affected items
- Do not place smoke-exposed textiles into your vehicle without protection (sheets/tarps)
- Wash hands and change clothes after visiting the site
Start a simple written log
Even a basic note in your phone helps:
- Date/time of the incident
- Who you spoke to (insurance, adjuster, restoration contacts)
- What actions were taken (board-up, water shutoff, etc.)
This becomes valuable if questions arise later.
Understanding Smoke, Soot, and Odour
A common misconception is that “if it isn’t burned, it’s fine.” In reality, smoke and soot often cause more widespread damage than flames.
Smoke residue is chemically complex
Depending on what burned (plastics, wiring, foam, synthetic fabrics, cooking oils, wood), smoke can contain acidic compounds, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and fine particulate that penetrates porous materials.
Soot behaves differently based on the fire type
- Dry soot (often from fast-burning fires) can spread as a fine powder and embed into fabric weaves.
- Wet/greasy soot (often from low-oxygen, smouldering fires) is sticky, smears easily, and can permanently stain.
Odour is not just “a smell”
Persistent odour indicates particles and gases have bonded to surfaces. Effective odour removal is about removing and neutralizing contaminants, not masking them with fragrance.
This is why contents restoration, deodorization, and decontamination require the right process, equipment, and sequencing.
Before You Touch Anything: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid dry wiping soot
Dry wiping or dusting soot can grind it into surfaces and textiles. It can also aerosolize particles, increasing exposure and spreading contamination.
Don’t use household cleaners on everything
Some chemicals react with soot, set stains, or cause discoloration—especially on painted walls, metals, and delicate textiles.
Don’t run HVAC systems
If your HVAC is contaminated, running it can distribute odour and particulates throughout the home and into clean rooms.
Don’t wash smoke-damaged clothing with regular detergent and call it done
This is a major reason smoke odour comes back. Standard washing often fails to break down bonded smoke residues—especially from synthetic materials and heavy soot exposure.
Don’t throw away items before documenting
If your insurer requires inventory and photos, discarding items too early can create claim issues. When in doubt, document first.
Insurance and Documentation: How to Set Yourself Up for Success
Take photos and video—strategically
When it is safe to enter (or when escorted/approved), capture:
- Wide shots of each room from multiple angles
- Close-ups of damaged areas and affected contents
- Serial numbers on electronics (if accessible)
- Labels on furniture, appliances, and high-value items
Tip: record a slow walkthrough video and narrate what you see.
Build a contents inventory
Contents restoration teams often create a detailed inventory as part of pack-out services. If you need to start your own list, focus on:
- Item description (brand, model, material)
- Approximate purchase date
- Replacement cost estimate (if known)
- Notes on condition and smoke/soot impact
Understand claim categories (high level)
Policies vary, but many include:
- Dwelling coverage (structure)
- Contents/personal property (belongings)
- Additional living expenses (temporary housing, meals)
Ask your adjuster what documentation they need and how they prefer to receive it.
Contents Recovery 101: Pack-Out, Cleaning, Storage, Pack-Back
A professional contents restoration workflow is designed to reduce loss, prevent secondary damage, and restore items safely and efficiently.
Step 1: On-site assessment and salvage plan
A contents recovery team evaluates:
- Fire type and soot character
- Moisture levels (from suppression efforts)
- High-priority salvage items (documents, heirlooms, medical equipment)
- Contamination risks (asbestos, mould, sewage, chemicals)
Step 2: Controlled pack-out (and why it matters)
Pack-out is not “moving things into a truck.” Done properly, it includes:
- Room-by-room sorting and labeling
- Photo documentation
- Protective wrapping for furniture and fragile items
- Separation of salvageable vs. non-restorable items
- Preventing cross-contamination (clean items kept isolated)
Step 3: Transport to a controlled facility
Off-site cleaning allows:
- Specialized deodorization equipment
- Better containment and filtration
- Accurate drying and climate control
- Safe handling of sensitive and high-value items
Step 4: Cleaning, deodorization, and decontamination
This may include:
- HEPA vacuuming and particulate removal
- Textile and garment restoration
- Furniture cleaning (fabric, leather, wood)
- Electronics evaluation and cleaning (case-by-case)
- Odour removal processes (ozone/hydroxyl/thermal fogging—used appropriately)
Step 5: Secure storage and inventory management
Your items are stored with tracking so you can:
- Locate essentials quickly
- Approve disposal if needed
- Coordinate replacements and restorations in parallel
Step 6: Pack-back and placement
When the home is ready:
- Items are returned and placed according to plan
- Final checks are performed for residual odour and contamination
- You receive documentation for the claim file
This end-to-end process is why professional contents restoration can significantly reduce long-term odour issues and prevent recontamination after rebuilding.
What Can Usually Be Saved vs. What Is Often Non-Restorable
Every fire is different, but here’s a practical framework.
Often salvageable (with proper contents restoration)
- Many clothing and textiles (depending on fibre and exposure)
- Most hard goods (dishes, glassware, some plastics—case-by-case)
- Solid wood furniture (if not deeply charred)
- Some books and documents (if acted on quickly)
- Many tools and metal items
- Some artwork (depends on medium and smoke type)
Sometimes salvageable (requires assessment)
- Electronics (smoke residue can be corrosive; safety testing is critical)
- Upholstered furniture (deep odour penetration can be challenging)
- Mattresses (often not worth restoring if heavily impacted)
- Musical instruments (humidity + smoke is a tough combination)
Often non-restorable (or not cost-effective)
- Items with heavy charring or structural compromise
- Porous foam-filled items saturated with smoke/soot
- Food and many pantry items exposed to smoke particulates
- Certain cosmetics and personal care products (contamination risk)
- Some children’s plush toys if exposure is heavy (health-first decision)
A key point: odour and contamination are as important as visible damage. If an item cannot be reliably deodorized and decontaminated, replacement may be the safer outcome.
How Professional Deodorization and Decontamination Works
The goal: remove the source, not mask the problem
Effective odour removal typically involves:
- Particulate removal (HEPA vacuuming, controlled cleaning)
- Surface cleaning (breaking down residues)
- Neutralization (targeted deodorization methods)
- Verification (confirming odour does not rebound)
Common professional methods (selected by situation)
- HEPA filtration / air scrubbing: reduces airborne particles and odour carriers
- Hydroxyl generation: useful for ongoing deodorization in occupied spaces (often preferred when people need safer presence)
- Ozone treatment: powerful but requires strict safety controls and unoccupied spaces; used strategically
- Thermal fogging: can help neutralize odour in cavities and porous areas after cleaning
- Specialized garment and textile processes: designed specifically for smoke odour removal in fabrics
A reputable contents restoration provider will choose methods based on contamination level, materials involved, and occupant safety—not convenience.
How to Remove Smoke Smell from Clothing (Comprehensive Guide)
Smoke odour in clothing is one of the most common—and frustrating—problems after a house fire. Many Calgary homeowners wash a load, smell “improvement,” then weeks later the odour returns, especially on humid days or when the clothes warm up. That rebound is a sign that smoke residues weren’t fully removed.
Below is a comprehensive approach, starting with immediate triage and moving into deep deodorization. Use this as a guide, and remember: if clothing is heavily soot-stained or smells intensely of smoke, professional textile restoration is often the most reliable route.
Step 1: Triage and sort before washing
Create four categories:
1) Light smoke exposure (faint smell, no visible soot)
Often recoverable with enhanced home washing steps.
2) Moderate smoke exposure (distinct smell, minimal staining)
May require multi-cycle washing and deodorization.
3) Heavy smoke exposure (strong smell, visible soot or oily residue)
High risk of permanent odour without professional processes.
4) Sensitive / high-value textiles (wool, silk, cashmere, tailored items, cultural garments, heirlooms)
Avoid DIY experimentation—these materials can be damaged by aggressive treatments.
Also separate by fabric type:
- Natural fibres: cotton, linen, wool
- Synthetics: polyester, nylon, spandex blends (often “hold” odour more)
- Mixed/technical fabrics: athletic wear, insulated jackets
Step 2: Handle safely to prevent spreading soot
- Do not shake clothing indoors (it can aerosolize soot).
- Move items in sealed bags or bins.
- Wear gloves and a well-fitting mask if soot is present.
- Keep smoke-affected clothing away from clean laundry areas.
Step 3: Pre-treatment for soot (critical)
If there is visible soot, do not put it straight into the washer. Water can turn soot into a smear and set stains.
Safer approach:
- Take items outside or to a garage area.
- Use a HEPA vacuum with a soft brush attachment (gentle, no rubbing).
- If you don’t have HEPA filtration, lightly brush off loose soot outdoors—very gently.
- For oily residue, avoid aggressive scrubbing; it can push contaminants deeper into fibres.
For delicate items, stop here and seek textile restoration.
Step 4: Air out properly (but don’t rely on this alone)
Fresh air helps reduce volatile odours, but it rarely removes bonded smoke residues.
- Hang items outdoors in shade (UV can fade some fabrics).
- Ensure airflow on all sides.
- Do not hang in a smoky garage or near exhaust sources.
Step 5: Choose the right wash strategy (home method)
Smoke odour removal requires breaking down residues, lifting them out, and fully rinsing them away.
Use the correct water temperature
- Follow the care label.
- Hot water can help with some odours but can shrink or damage fabrics.
- Warm water is often a good balance for cottons and sturdy textiles.
Use a heavy-duty detergent (and don’t overload the washer)
- Odour removal improves when the washer has room to agitate.
- Smaller loads clean better than tightly packed loads.
Add a proven odour-treatment booster (choose ONE approach first)
Option A: Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
- Useful as a deodorizing booster.
- Add to the wash cycle (amount depends on washer size; follow product guidance).
- Works best for light-to-moderate odours.
Option B: Oxygen-based cleaner (colour-safe oxygen bleach)
- Helps break down organic residues and odour compounds.
- Often effective on cottons and many synthetics (check labels).
- Avoid on wool/silk unless specifically approved.
Option C: Laundry deodorizer designed for smoke (commercial laundry additive)
- Some additives are formulated for smoke and fire residues.
- Follow directions carefully and test on a small area for delicate items.
Use caution with vinegar:
White vinegar can help neutralize certain odours, but it’s not a universal fix. It can be useful in a rinse cycle for some loads, but avoid mixing vinegar with bleach products and avoid use on certain delicate fabrics without testing.
Step 6: Add a soak step for stubborn odour
Soaking can dramatically improve results because it gives the chemistry time to work.
For cottons and sturdy fabrics:
- Pre-soak in warm water with an odour-lifting additive (oxygen cleaner or baking soda).
- Rinse thoroughly before washing.
For synthetics (athletic wear, polyester blends):
Synthetics can trap smoke odour oils. Consider:
- A longer soak with a product designed for synthetic odours
- Multiple rinse cycles
- Avoid fabric softener (it can seal residues into fibres)
Step 7: Rinse thoroughly—then rinse again
Residual detergent and loosened smoke compounds can remain in fabric and re-emit odour later.
- Use an extra rinse cycle.
- If your washer has an “odour” or “deep rinse” setting, use it.
Step 8: Drying strategy matters more than most people think
Avoid high heat until odour is gone. Heat can set odour compounds in some cases.
Best practice:
- Air dry first (indoors with ventilation or outdoors in shade).
- Smell-test once fully dry.
- If odour remains, repeat treatment before using a dryer.
If items smell clean after air drying, then you can use the dryer as usual.
Step 9: The “smell test” protocol (to catch rebound)
Smoke odour often returns when fabric warms.
- After air-drying, smell the item cold.
- Then warm it slightly (hold in a warm room or briefly in dryer on low for a few minutes) and smell again.
- If odour reappears, the residues are still present.
Step 10: Special cases (what to do, what to avoid)
Wool, silk, cashmere, tailored garments
- Avoid heavy soaking, aggressive additives, and heat.
- Dry cleaning may help, but smoke odour removal is not guaranteed with standard dry cleaning alone.
- Professional textile restoration is usually the safest path.
Leather jackets, suede, fur trim
- Do not wash.
- Odour removal must be done with specialized processes to avoid cracking, discoloration, or stiffness.
Children’s clothing and baby items
Because sensitivity is higher:
- Prioritize thorough decontamination and reliable odour removal.
- If odour persists after multiple careful washes, replacement is often the safer decision.
Winter coats, down jackets, insulated gear
These can trap odour in internal layers.
- Home washing can work for some washable items, but drying must be complete to prevent secondary issues.
- If odour is strong, professional deodorization is typically more effective.
Step 11: When DIY is not enough (and why)
You should strongly consider professional contents restoration for clothing when:
- Odour remains after 2–3 properly executed wash cycles
- Clothing has soot staining or oily residue
- Items are high-value, sentimental, or delicate
- You notice odour rebound during warm/humid conditions
- There are health concerns (asthma, allergies, young children in the home)
Professional textile processes can combine controlled cleaning, specialized deodorization, and drying methods designed for fire residues—often with better results and less damage risk than repeated home experimentation.
Step 12: Prevent re-contamination after cleaning
Even perfectly cleaned clothing can pick up odour again if stored or worn in contaminated areas.
To protect restored items:
- Store in sealed bins or garment bags until the home environment is cleared
- Avoid placing clean items in smoke-affected closets/drawers
- Ensure the home has been properly cleaned and deodorized (including HVAC attention where needed)
This “clean home + clean contents” alignment is one of the most important factors in long-lasting odour removal.
Kitchen Items, Children’s Items, and Sensitive Belongings
Kitchenware and food safety
- Discard food, spices, and medicines exposed to smoke—smoke particulates can contaminate packaging.
- Hard, non-porous dishes may be salvageable with proper cleaning, but porous items (wood cutting boards, some plastics) can retain odour and contaminants.
Children’s items
For plush toys and comfort items:
- Light exposure may be treatable
- Heavy smoke exposure is often difficult to deodorize completely
- When in doubt, prioritize health and comfort—replacement may be best
Electronics, Photos, Documents, and Heirlooms
Electronics
Smoke residues can be corrosive and conductive.
- Do not power on devices until assessed
- Avoid DIY wiping inside vents and ports
- Professional evaluation can determine whether cleaning and restoration is safe
Photos and documents
Time matters.
- Keep wet items separated and avoid sticking pages together
- If damp, controlled drying is crucial to prevent warping and secondary damage
- Consider professional document recovery for irreplaceable items
Heirlooms and antiques
These often require material-specific cleaning and deodorization:
- Wood finishes can be permanently damaged by wrong chemicals
- Metals can corrode after exposure
- Textiles and upholstered antiques can hold deep odour
A contents restoration specialist can decide what is feasible and which methods preserve value.
Timeline and Expectations: What Recovery Typically Looks Like
While each claim differs, many homeowners experience these general phases:
- Immediate response: safety, documentation, initial stabilization
- Assessment and planning: contents inventory, salvage plan, scope
- Pack-out and cleaning: removal, restoration, deodorization, decontamination
- Building restoration: repairs, reconstruction, repainting, flooring
- Final deodorization verification: confirm odour is not rebounding
- Pack-back: return of contents and settlement coordination
The key to minimizing total disruption is strong coordination between the restoration team, your adjuster, and the trades handling structure repairs.
When to Call Calgary Contents and What to Ask
If your home has experienced a fire, early contents recovery can reduce permanent loss—especially for textiles, electronics, photos, and porous materials.
What a professional team can do quickly
- Stabilize and protect salvageable items
- Control cross-contamination
- Start odour removal and decontamination correctly from day one
- Create a detailed inventory that supports your claim
- Restore sentimental and high-value items with specialized methods
Questions to ask any contents restoration provider
- How do you prevent cross-contamination during pack-out?
- What deodorization methods do you use, and how do you verify results?
- How do you handle delicate textiles, antiques, and heirlooms?
- Do you provide itemized inventory and documentation for insurance?
- What is your pack-back process once the home is ready?
Calgary Contents is built around compassionate service, detailed handling, and proven contents restoration workflows—because what you own is not just “stuff.” It’s your life, your memories, and your routines.
Checklist: A Calgary Homeowner’s Fire Recovery Action Plan
Immediately (Day 0–1)
- Confirm everyone is safe and seek medical help if needed
- Do not re-enter until cleared
- Start your claim and log key details
- Take photos/video when permitted
- Secure the property to prevent additional loss
Short term (Day 1–7)
- Avoid disturbing soot and don’t run HVAC
- Separate clean vs contaminated items
- Begin contents inventory (or coordinate professional inventory)
- Arrange pack-out and contents restoration assessment
- Identify priority items (documents, medications, essentials)
Ongoing (Week 2+)
- Coordinate deodorization and decontamination
- Confirm odour removal is verified (no rebound)
- Store cleaned contents away from contaminated areas
- Plan pack-back after building restoration is complete