Contents Cleaning Chemistry

Why this matters

After contents have been packed out, they often require cleaning to remove soot, smoke, water staining, mildew, or other contamination. The right cleaning chemistry depends on the contamination and the material. Wrong chemistry damages the material; right chemistry restores it. A contractor with knowledge of cleaning chemistry can restore valuable items that would otherwise be replaced, saving the insurance / customer significant money.

Contamination types

Material categories

Cleaning chemistry families

Detergents (alkaline)

• Pine oil, citrus, dish soap, etc.
• Effective for grease, dirt
• Standard for most cleaning

Solvents

• Mineral spirits, naphtha
• Effective for oil, grease, some stains
• Use carefully (flammable)

Acidic

• Citric acid, vinegar, weak phosphoric
• Effective for mineral deposits, rust
• Can damage some materials

Oxidizing

• Peroxide-based, oxygen bleach
• Effective for organic stains
• Lighter on materials than chlorine bleach

Chlorine bleach

• Effective for many stains
• Harsh on materials
• Limited use in restoration

Specialty restoration chemistry

• Smoke residue removers
• Specific manufacturer products

Smoke / soot cleaning

After a fire (or smoke event):

Dry smoke cleaning

For dry soot (light deposits):

• Vacuum with HEPA-filtered vacuum
• Dry chemical sponge (chemical dry sponge for soot removal)
• Don't wet the soot first (creates mud)

Wet smoke cleaning

For wet smoke (heavy oily deposits):

• Solvent-based cleaner
• Followed by detergent cleaner
• More aggressive
• May require multiple passes

Smoke odor neutralization

• Ozone treatment (specific specialized equipment)
• Hydroxyl generator
• Thermal fogging
• Specific deodorizers

For severe smoke damage, contents often require professional restoration cleaner.

Water / mildew cleaning

For water-damaged contents:

Mildew removal

• Mildew-specific cleaner
• HEPA vacuum after
• Verify dry before reinstalling

Mineral deposits / water stains

• Acidic cleaner (citric acid or stronger)
• Followed by detergent
• For wood: oxalic acid solution

Mildew on upholstery

• Specialty upholstery cleaner
• HEPA vacuum
• Sometimes professional cleaning service

Sewage contamination cleaning

Per IICRC S500:

• Most porous materials disposed (cannot effectively clean)
• Non-porous materials: cleaned with EPA-registered disinfectant rated for the contamination

Non-porous cleaning

• Wash with disinfectant
• Verify cleanliness (visual + sometimes ATP testing)
• HEPA vacuum

Porous materials

• Generally disposed
• Replacement included in scope

Mold cleaning of contents

For mold-contaminated contents (after S520-compliant remediation):

Non-porous

• Standard cleaning
• HEPA vacuum
• Wipe with cleaner

Porous

• Often disposed (especially for sentimental items, customer's choice)
• Some cleaning possible (HEPA vacuum + wash)
• Verify with sampling if customer concerned

Cleaning equipment

Standard cleaning

• HEPA vacuum
• Soft cloths
• Sponges
• Spray bottles
• Detergents

Specialty cleaning

• Steam cleaner (for some applications)
• Pressure washer (rare for indoor contents)
• Ultrasonic cleaner (for specific items like jewelry)
• Ozone generator (for odor)

Specific contents

• Upholstery shampooer
• Hot water extractor
• Specialty restoration equipment

Cleaning procedure for typical contents

Step 1: Inspect

• Identify the contamination type
• Identify the material
• Determine the appropriate cleaner

Step 2: Test cleaning

• Apply small amount in inconspicuous area
• Verify the cleaner doesn't damage the material
• Verify it works on the contamination

Step 3: Clean

• Apply cleaner per directions
• Allow contact time
• Wipe / rinse / vacuum as appropriate

Step 4: Inspect

• Check for residual contamination
• Repeat if needed
• Allow to dry

Step 5: Document

• Note items cleaned
• Note items damaged or non-recoverable
• Photograph if appropriate

Specific items requiring specialist

For some items, professional restoration is needed:

Photos and paper documents

• Freeze drying (for severely wet)
• Photo restoration specialist
• Books and documents specialist

Fine art

• Art conservator
• Specific approaches to canvas, paper, frames

Antiques

• Antique restoration specialist
• Preserves value

Electronics

• Electronics restoration specialist
• Specialty cleaning to recover function

Rare items

• Specific to the item type

These specialists are partners; not typically handled by general restoration contractor.

Common contents cleaning mistakes

Wrong cleaner for the material

Damages the material; customer item lost.

Too aggressive cleaning

• Removes finish from wood
• Damages fabric
• Erodes surfaces

Inadequate cleaning

• Contamination remains
• Customer dissatisfied
• Item may need to be cleaned again

Failure to dry

• Wet item promotes mold
• Damage continues

Cleaning without testing

• Damage discovered too late
• Item must be replaced

Documentation requirements

For each cleaned item:

• Item description
• Initial condition (photograph)
• Cleaning method used
• Result (cleaned successfully, partial, not recoverable)
• Final condition (photograph)
• Customer acceptance / rejection

This supports:

• Insurance claim
• Customer satisfaction
• Quality control

Customer expectations

• "Cleaning restores some contents; not all"
• "Some items have value beyond replacement cost; we'll work hard to restore"
• "Items that can't be cleaned will be documented for insurance"
• "Specialty items may need specialist restoration"

When to recommend replacement

References

• IICRC S500 (Water Damage Restoration).
• IICRC FCT (Fire and Smoke Restoration).
• IICRC ITC (Institutional Trauma and Crime Scene Cleaner).
• ASTM C1378 (Standard test for resistance of glazed ceramic tile to cleaning).
• Manufacturer literature: ChemSpec, ChemDry, Stainmaster, Pro Restoration Supply.
• Manuall internal: Water Restoration Content Pack-Out Procedures, Water Restoration Smoke Damage Cleanup.