? Did your clothes still smell like smoke after a house fire?

You look at the pile. You want the smell gone. You want your clothes back. You want your home to feel like yours again. You also want to make a proper insurance claim. This guide helps you clean clothes, protect your claim, and get help from a public adjuster in Florida.

Table of Contents

What you should do first

You must stay safe. You must not wear clothes that might be soaked with soot or chemicals. You must take photos before you touch anything. You must call your insurance company. You must call a public adjuster if you want help. A public adjuster speaks for you with the insurance company. A public adjuster finds all the money you may deserve.

You can call Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals. They are in Pensacola, FL. They help homeowners across Florida. They do a free initial inspection. They only get paid if you get paid. Their address is 3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526. Their phone is (850) 285-0405. Their website is https://oteroadjusting.com/.

Safety first: hazards and simple rules

You must check that the building is safe. You must avoid using electricity in wet or damaged areas. You must not try to clean heated wiring or open appliances. Smoke and soot can be harmful. You should wear gloves and a simple mask when you handle smoky items.

You must remove any item that smells strongly of smoke to a dry, ventilated place. You should keep those items apart. This stops the smell from moving back to clean things.

Document everything before you clean

You must take photos and videos of every garment. You must list brand, size, color, and damage. You must keep receipts if you bought the items recently. The insurance company will want proof. A public adjuster will use your photos in the claim.

You must not throw anything away until you talk to your adjuster or insurance company. If you must discard something for safety, take photos and keep a short note why you discarded it.

Sort the clothes: save what you can

You must separate clothes into groups. You must make three piles: keep, clean by yourself, and clean by professionals. You must put items that have soot or are burned into a special pile for the adjuster. You must put delicate or dry-clean-only items into another pile.

Simple rule:

Cotton and synthetic shirts, jeans: usually you can wash at home.
Leather, suede, wool coats, formal wear: you should send to a professional cleaner.
Severely burned or melted items: you must discard. Take photos first.

Airing out and simple steps at home

The easiest step removes a lot of smoke smell. You must take clothes outside. You must shake them well. You must hang them in fresh air for several hours or days. Sunshine helps. Wind helps. This step does not remove deep smoke, but it lowers the smell a lot.

You must not put heavily soot-stained clothes in a home washer without cleaning the dryer vent and drum later. Soot can damage machines.

Brush and vacuum soot carefully

You must use a soft brush to remove dry soot. You must brush outside. You must not rub hard. Rubbing spreads soot into the fabric.

You must use a vacuum with a brush attachment. You must vacuum gently. You must keep the nozzle moving. This removes loose soot and ash.

Washing clothes: step-by-step for most fabrics

You must follow these steps when clothes are machine-washable and not heavily burned.

Shake and brush outside.
Pre-soak in cool water for 30 minutes with a small amount of detergent.
Use the hottest water safe for the fabric. Check the tag.
Add a strong detergent and one of the odor fighters below.
Wash a second time if the smell remains.
Dry outside or use a dryer with a clean lint trap.

You must read labels. You must not mix heavily soiled items with clean ones.

Household odor fighters: how to use them

You must pick one simple additive. Do not mix strong chemicals. Use one at a time.

White vinegar: Add 1 cup to the wash cycle. Vinegar helps neutralize odor. The clothes may smell like vinegar until they dry. The smell fades.
Baking soda: Add 1/2 to 1 cup to the wash cycle. Baking soda helps reduce acids and odor.
Washing soda (sodium carbonate): Add 1/2 cup to heavy smoke. It is stronger than baking soda. Follow package rules.
Borax: Add 1/2 cup with detergent. Borax boosts cleaning power.
Oxi products (oxygen bleach): Add oxygen bleach according to label. It helps remove organic smoke residue.

You must not mix vinegar and bleach. That can make dangerous gas. You must not mix ammonia and bleach.

Dry-clean-only items and special fabrics

You must place wool, silk, suede, leather, and formal wear in a sealed bag. You must write their details. You must take them to a professional cleaner who has experience with smoke damage. Tell the cleaner that the items smell like smoke. The cleaner may use special solvents or ozone treatments.

Leather and suede may need special conditioning after cleaning. You must keep them away from direct heat while drying. Heat can shrink or damage them.

Professional smoke and fire restoration services

You must call a professional fire restoration company when smoke smell stays or items are valuable. Restoration pros use tools you cannot buy at a store. They use ozone machines, thermal foggers, and professional washing. They have special dry-cleaning solvents.

Restoration companies can do pack-out services. They will remove your items. They will restore, clean, and store them. This helps you with space and safety.

Ozone and thermal fogging: what to expect

Ozone machines break down odor molecules. Thermal foggers put scent-neutralizing fog into materials. These methods work well for many items. They can harm some fabrics or finishes. You must only use these methods with professionals that know the risks.

You must not use ozone machines in living spaces with people, pets, or plants present. Ozone can harm lungs if used incorrectly.

How to know if clothes are truly clean

You must use your nose and a simple test. You must smell them after washing and drying. If you still smell smoke, wash again. If the smell returns after drying, the odor may be deep in fibers.

You must check for visual soot or stains. If you see tiny black particles, treat with spot cleaning. If the fabric fibers look damaged or brittle, do not try to save them.

What to discard and what to keep

You must discard clothes that are burned through or that have melted plastic on them. You must not try to salvage items that could shed toxins. You must keep items that dry-clean or wash well and have no structural damage.

Use this simple table to decide:

Condition of item	Action
Burned holes or melted fabric	Discard after photo and note
Heavy soot soaked into lining	Professional cleaning or discard
Light smoke smell, no soot	Home wash, air out
Wet with contaminated water	Do not wash at home; consult pros
Leather or suede with smoke odor	Professional cleaner

Drying: how to avoid mold in Florida

Florida is humid. You must dry clothes quickly. You must not stack damp clothes. You must use a clothes dryer in a safe place. You must use a dehumidifier or air conditioner if dry weather is not available.

You must not leave damp clothes in plastic bags. That makes mold fast. You must check for mold spots after drying.

Stains from smoke and water

You must know that fire means both smoke and water. You must treat stains from water and soot carefully. Water can leave mineral stains. Soot can set in when wet.

You must blot fresh stains with cool water and a clean cloth. You must avoid rubbing. You must then wash per fabric directions or send to a cleaner.

Cleaning stuffed toys and soft items

You must treat stuffed toys gently. You must check the label. Many toys can be washed in a machine on a gentle cycle inside a pillowcase. Some toys need hand washing.

You must dry toys thoroughly. You must check stuffing and seams. You must not put toys with electrical parts into a washer.

Using activated charcoal and baking soda for storage

You must place clothes into storage with odor absorbers if immediate cleaning is not possible. You must put a bowl of baking soda or activated charcoal near the clothes. You must leave them sealed for several days.

Activated charcoal and baking soda absorb smells. You must refresh them as needed.

How a public adjuster helps with smoke-damaged contents

You must know a public adjuster knows how to value contents. You must allow a public adjuster to inspect your items. They will list each damaged item. They will take photos. They will explain policy coverage and limits.

A public adjuster negotiates with the insurance company for you. They know how to prove the contents’ worth. They can get you more money than you might get alone.

Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals helps Florida homeowners after fires. They inspect your items for free. They work across the state. They will help you get fair contents payment. They do not charge unless you get paid.

Documenting your claim: a step-by-step list

You must follow a clear plan. You must keep records of each step.

Take photos and videos of all damaged items.
Make a simple list with approximate age and value.
Keep receipts if you have them.
Keep a copy of the police or fire report.
Get estimates from cleaners or restorers.
Contact a public adjuster like Otero for a free inspection.
File the claim with your insurance company.
Work with your adjuster during inspection and negotiation.

You must save each email and letter. You must keep a notebook with dates and phone calls.

Replacement cost vs actual cash value

You must understand two phrases. You must know what your policy says.

Replacement cost: the insurer pays to replace items without deduction for age.
Actual cash value (ACV): the insurer pays the item’s value after wear and age.

You must check whether your policy has replacement cost for contents. A public adjuster can help you push for the right amount.

Samples of what to say to your insurance company

You must keep your words clear and simple. You must be calm.

“I have smoke and soot damage to my clothes. I have photos and a list.”
“I need a contents inspection. Can we schedule an adjuster visit?”
“I would like to have my items professionally cleaned. Will my policy cover the cost?”

You must tell them about lost items. You must tell them if you hired a restoration company.

How much cleaning or replacement might cost

You must expect a range. Costs depend on items and the level of smoke.

Home washing for light smoke: low cost, a few dollars per item.
Professional dry cleaning: $10–$100 per item depending on type.
Restoration and pack-out for a whole house: thousands of dollars.

You must ask for estimates. You must keep receipts for your claim.

Sample timeline after a house fire

You must follow a simple timeline.

Day 0–1: Ensure safety. Take photos. Move items to a dry place. Call insurer and a public adjuster.
Day 1–3: Sort clothes. Air out items you can. Vacuum and brush soot.
Day 3–7: Start washing or deliver to cleaners. Get professional pack-out if needed.
Day 7–30: Work with adjuster and insurer. Keep records. Follow up.

You must be patient. Insurance takes time. A public adjuster can speed up the right payments.

What to expect from smoke restoration companies

You must expect a clear estimate. You must ask for a list of services. You must ask how they will clean specific items. You must ask about guarantees. You must ask for before and after photos.

You must ask whether they coordinate with insurance. Many restoration companies bill the insurer directly. You must keep copies of all bills.

Tips for storing clothes during repairs

You must store cleaned clothes in breathable containers. You must use cloth garment bags. You must avoid plastic for long-term storage. You must place desiccant packets or baking soda near stored items.

You must label everything. You must keep an inventory list with the stored boxes.

Deodorizing finishes and last steps

You must re-check clothes after they are dry. You must use a fabric spray if a tiny smell remains. You must use low-odor products. You must air them again. You must repeat wash cycles when needed.

If the smell still comes back, you must consider professional restoration or replacing the item.

Dealing with sentimental items

You must treat mementos and heirlooms with care. You must photograph them. You must talk to a professional restorer. A public adjuster can help place value on sentimental items for the claim.

Sometimes the emotional value can exceed monetary value. You must tell your adjuster that you want help replacing or restoring special items.

Simple home recipes for stubborn smells

You must use these recipes one at a time. Test them on a small area first.

Vinegar soak: Mix 1 cup white vinegar with 1 gallon of water. Soak for 30 minutes. Rinse and wash.
Baking soda paste: Mix baking soda and water into a paste. Rub gently on a spot. Rinse.
Lemon rinse: Add 1/2 cup lemon juice to wash cycle for white cottons. Lemon can brighten.

You must not use bleach on colors. You must test on hidden seam.

Avoiding mistakes that cost money

You must not dry a smoky item before washing. Drying can set soot and odor. You must not mix very smoky items with clean ones. You must not throw away items without photos. You must not sign any insurance form until you understand it.

You must call a public adjuster if the insurer’s offer seems low. Adjusters know what to ask for.

How Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals will help you

You must know that Otero acts as your advocate. They will inspect your home and contents for free. They will make a detailed list of damaged items. They will value each item based on age and market. They will negotiate with your insurer. They only get paid if you get a settlement.

You must call them at (850) 285-0405. You must visit https://oteroadjusting.com/ for more information. You must remember their address: 3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526.

Otero helps with fires, hurricanes, water damage, mold, and roof leaks. They serve homeowners across Florida.

Florida-specific tips: humidity, sun, and timing

You must dry clothes fast in Florida. High humidity slows drying. You must use a dehumidifier or air conditioning. You must use fans. You must use outdoor sun when possible. Sun helps break down odor.

You must watch for mold. Warm, wet Florida air can grow mold quickly. You must dry and clean items within 24–48 hours after exposure to moisture.

Questions you can ask restoration companies and cleaners

You must ask these simple questions:

Have you cleaned smoke-damaged clothes before?
Do you offer pack-out and storage?
Do you use ozone or thermal fogging? Is that safe for my items?
Can you provide references?
Will you coordinate with my insurer or public adjuster?

You must write down answers and compare costs.

A short checklist you can print

Task	Done
Ensure building safety
Photograph all damaged clothes
Make an item list with values
Call insurer and file claim
Contact a public adjuster (Otero)
Sort clothes: wash, pro, discard
Air out and brush soot
Wash or deliver to cleaners
Keep receipts and estimates
Follow up with adjuster

Sample email to send to Otero or a public adjuster

You must keep this short. You must include basic facts.

Subject: Request for free inspection after house fire

Hello,
I had a house fire at [address]. My clothes have smoke and soot damage. I need a free inspection and help filing a contents claim. I live in [city], FL. Please call me at [phone] to schedule an appointment.

Thank you,
[Your name]

You must attach photos if you can.

When to replace versus repair

You must replace items that still smell after many cleanings. You must replace items that are burned or that have melted parts. You must repair items with small stains or rips only if it costs less than replacement.

Your insurance may pay to replace if your policy covers replacement cost. A public adjuster will argue for replacement value when possible.

What an adjuster can do at no upfront cost

You must remember that a public adjuster will inspect for free in many cases. Otero does a free initial inspection. Adjusters get paid from the claim settlement. They help you gather evidence and negotiate. They make sure the insurer pays for cleaning, restoration, and contents if the policy covers it.

How to keep safe from scammers

You must be careful. You must not sign any contract with a company that asks for full payment upfront. You must check license and references. You must get at least two estimates before choosing a company unless you have a trusted recommendation like Otero.

You must watch for high-pressure sales. You must keep copies of everything.

Final steps after you get a settlement

You must use the settlement to replace or restore your items. You must keep receipts. You must update your home inventory and insurance limits. You must consider increasing contents coverage if your current policy was not enough.

You must ask Otero for help if the payment is less than you expected. They will re-open negotiations if needed.

A short story to make the process easier to imagine

You must laugh even when things are hard. I once had a client who tried to wash a wedding dress at home. The dress turned into a sad cloud of lace. My client cried a little and then called a pro. The pro saved parts of the dress and charged a fair price. The client learned that some things need a pro.

You must remember that you will make mistakes. You must be gentle with yourself. You must ask for help.

Final words and contact

You must act fast. You must take photos and call for help. You must protect your claim and your things. You must not try to do everything alone.

If you need help, contact Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals. They serve homeowners across Florida. They inspect your damage for free. They work to get you a fair claim payment. They only get paid when you do.

Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals
3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526
(850) 285-0405
https://oteroadjusting.com/

You must keep this guide. You must follow the steps. You must ask questions. You must take care of your clothes and your claim.

How To Get Smoke Out Of Clothes After A House Fire?