After a fire, the flames may be out, but the real work has just begun. One of the hardest parts is deciding what to keep and what to throw away. Smoke and soot are more than unpleasant smells. They contain acids, carcinogens, and fine particles that can damage items and put your health at risk. Knowing what to toss protects your family and helps you recover faster.
This guide explains what to throw away after smoke damage, what may be safe to restore, and why professional help makes a difference for homeowners in South Carolina.
How do you decide what to keep and what to toss after smoke damage?
The two biggest factors are heat and porosity.
- Heat exposure can change the chemistry of food, medicine, and plastics. Even if a container looks sealed, the inside may not be safe.
- Porous items like fabric, foam, unfinished wood, and paper absorb smoke particles and chemicals. These items are usually impossible to clean completely.
When you are unsure, remember the rule: when in doubt, throw it out.
What food should you throw away after smoke damage?
Food safety is one of the most urgent issues after a fire. Any food that may have been exposed to smoke, heat, or firefighting chemicals should be discarded.
- Refrigerated and frozen food that sat above 40 degrees for more than four hours
- Any food that smells smoky or has soot inside the refrigerator
- Cardboard boxes, thin plastic bags, or paper sacks of food
- Cans or jars exposed to high heat, which can spoil or let fumes seep through the lids
- Pet food or treats stored near the fire
- Water filters or bottled beverages made of plastic
Bulging cans, rusted lids, or packaging covered in fire extinguisher dust are obvious signs to throw food out.
Should you keep medicine, vitamins, or cosmetics after a fire?
The short answer is no. Heat and soot can change how medicines and personal care products work. Using them after a fire can be unsafe.
Discard these items if they were exposed to heat, soot, or firefighting dust:
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Vitamins and supplements
- Skincare and makeup products
- Toothbrushes, sponges, and similar personal care tools
Replacing them is a small cost compared to the risk of using contaminated items.
Are plastics safe to use after smoke damage?
Most plastic items are not safe to keep if they were exposed to smoke or heat. Plastics can melt, warp, or absorb harmful chemicals that you cannot wash away.
Throw away:
- Food containers and water bottles
- Cutting boards and utensils
- Baby bottles, pacifiers, and pump parts
- Children’s plastic toys
- Plastic mixing bowls or kitchen tools
If an item is discolored, smells smoky, or feels different than before, it should be discarded.
Should you keep mattresses, pillows, or fabric items after a fire?
Porous materials like foam and fabric trap smoke, soot, and toxic particles. Even if they look fine, they can continue to release odors and chemicals into your home.
Items to throw away include:
- Mattresses and pillows
- Stuffed animals
- Heavily smoke-damaged blankets, comforters, or clothing
Some clothing and curtains can be cleaned if they were kept in closed drawers or closets. However, anything charred or with visible soot stains is best discarded.
Can electronics or appliances be saved after smoke damage?
Electronics and appliances are a gray area. If they were exposed to direct heat, flames, or water, they should not be used again. If they were only exposed to smoke, a professional can sometimes clean and restore them.
Never plug in electronics to test them after a fire. Residue inside the components can cause short circuits or release toxic fumes. Always let a restoration expert inspect them first.
What items are usually safe to keep after smoke damage?
Some materials are more resistant to smoke and heat. With proper cleaning, many of these can be salvaged:
- Glassware, dishes, and mirrors
- Metal items and furniture
- Ceramic, marble, or granite countertops
- Hardwood floors that are not charred
- Solid wood furniture with light smoke damage
- Jewelry and gemstones
These items should still be inspected and professionally cleaned to make sure all residue and odor are removed.
How do you safely sort through damaged items?
Sorting through fire damage can feel overwhelming. A simple method is to create four categories:
- Trash now – food, medicines, plastics, charred items, mattresses, and pillows
- Likely keep – metal, glass, ceramic, stone
- Assess with a professional – electronics, hardwood floors, non-charred clothing, solid wood furniture
- Document for insurance – take photos and keep a list before discarding anything
Wear protective gloves, long sleeves, and an N95 mask while sorting to avoid exposure to soot. Open windows if possible and avoid turning on your HVAC system until it has been inspected.
Why professional smoke damage restoration matters
Lingering smoke odor is not just annoying. It signals that tiny particles and gases are still trapped in your home. Basic cleaning often cannot reach deep into porous materials or hidden corners.
BioSweep Southeast uses a combination of industry-standard cleaning methods and BIOSWEEP Advanced Photocatalytic Oxidation technology. This system produces vaporized hydrogen peroxide, purified ozone, and hydrogen radicals that break down odor molecules at the source. The result is a cleaner, safer home with no lingering smoke smell.
What should you do next after smoke damage?
If you live in South Carolina and are unsure what to keep and what to throw away, call BioSweep Southeast. Our certified team can:
- Inspect and advise on items that can be restored or should be discarded
- Use advanced deodorization to eliminate smoke odors
- Work with your insurance to make the process easier
Request an assessment today and take the first step toward restoring your home and peace of mind.
