What Is Fire Content Cleaning — and How We Bring Your Belongings Back to Life

When a fire happens, the damage doesn’t end when the flames go out. Long after firefighters leave, a fine layer of smoke and soot can settle on just about everything you own — furniture, clothing, electronics, artwork, and even items tucked away in closets.

That’s where fire content cleaning comes in. It’s the process of carefully cleaning, restoring, and saving your belongings after a fire. And it’s something we’ve been doing across Chicago, Oak Park, River Forest, and the North Shore for decades.

Why Smoke and Soot Are More Dangerous Than They Look

Smoke damage isn’t just a dirty film you wipe away. When a fire burns, microscopic particles float through the air and settle on surfaces. That’s what creates the black residue and the persistent smoky odor.

Here’s the problem — those particles aren’t just unpleasant. They’re toxic and can contain carcinogens, meaning you shouldn’t be breathing them in or handling affected items without the right protection. That’s why fast, professional cleaning is so critical.

Why DIY Smoke Cleanup Isn’t a Good Idea

Some homeowners try to tackle smoke cleanup themselves. But ordinary cleaning supplies don’t neutralize what’s in soot. And if you don’t use the right methods, you can make the damage worse.

That’s why insurance carriers and restoration professionals recommend working with a certified team like ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons — an IICRC Master Fire & Smoke Restorer. We know how to restore your belongings while keeping your family safe.

Step 1: Safety Comes First

When our crew arrives, we stabilize the environment before touching anything. That includes:

• Assessing the indoor air quality
• Wearing respirators and protective gear
• Ventilating the property to remove airborne contaminants

We make sure your space — and everyone in it — stays safe before the cleanup even begins.

Step 2: Evaluating Every Item

Once the air is safe, we evaluate everything in the affected area, including:

• Furniture and textiles (drapes, bedding, rugs)
• Electronics and appliances
• Personal items like clothing, books, and keepsakes

We look at what can be restored, what needs special treatment, and what unfortunately can’t be saved. This evaluation happens quickly, because soot damage gets worse by the hour.

Step 3: Creating a Detailed Inventory (a.k.a. Pack-Out)

When items need to be cleaned off-site, we pack them carefully, document their condition, and move them to our secure cleaning facility. This process is called a pack-out.

Other items may be cleaned on-site in a contained area of your home. We keep a detailed inventory of every item — cleaned, stored, or discarded — which also helps with insurance claims.

Step 4: The Fire Content Cleaning Process

Different belongings require different cleaning methods. Depending on the material, we may use:

• Hand washing & drying: Gentle treatment for delicate, water-sensitive items.
• Ultrasonic cleaning: High-frequency sound waves to clean things like blinds, collectibles, and decor.
• Furniture & upholstery restoration: Specialty tools and products for fabrics and wood.
• Document & textile drying: For papers, books, and garments that can be saved.
• Electronics cleaning: Carefully removing residue without causing secondary damage.

Our technicians use professional-grade, eco-friendly products — the same kind trusted by hospitals and major institutions — to make sure your belongings are clean, safe, and odor-free.

Step 5: Supporting You Through the Recovery

We know fire damage isn’t just about cleaning up a mess. It’s about restoring your life.

Our team moves fast so your family can return to a clean, healthy home as soon as possible. We also:

• Coordinate with your insurance adjuster
• Provide clear documentation for claims
• Communicate every step of the way so there are no surprises

Why Chicagoland Trusts Us

For over 40 years, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has helped families and businesses across Chicago, Oak Park, River Forest, and the North Shore recover after fire disasters. As a certified IICRC Master Fire & Smoke Restorer, we bring unmatched expertise and care to every project.

We’re also proud to be a 2025 Inc. 5000 Honoree, recognized for our excellence and reliability. When you call us, you’re getting more than cleanup — you’re getting peace of mind.

📞 Need help now? Call 773-376-1110 or visit servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com to schedule an assessment.

Related Services

• Water & Flood Damage Restoration
• Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Hoarding & Specialty Cleaning
• Post-Construction Cleaning

Neighborhoods We Serve

We proudly serve Chicago (including neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Logan Square, and River North), Oak Park, River Forest, and the North Shore suburbs such as Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Northbrook, Glenview, Deerfield, and Skokie. We also serve DuPage County, including Addison, Carol Stream, Naperville, Elmhurst, and beyond.