Essentials To Replace After a House Fire [Download Free Checklist]

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🧯 Essential Items to Replace After a House Fire

Created by House Fire Solutions – Helping Homeowners Rebuild Safely and Confidently

After a house fire, even items that appear untouched can be contaminated by smoke, soot, or toxic residue. Replacing the right things early protects your family’s health and helps your insurance claim go smoothly.

Below is a complete checklist of what to replace, why it matters, and how to prioritize your recovery — organized by category so it’s easy to follow during your rebuild.

🔥 1. Safety and Health Essentials

Replace these first — your safety depends on it.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Always replace; they may be damaged by heat or soot.
Fire Extinguishers – Replace even if partially used or exposed to heat.
First Aid Kits – Replace all burned, melted, or smoke-exposed medical items.
Medication and Vitamins – Discard all prescription and over-the-counter meds; smoke residue can contaminate bottles.
Medical Devices (inhalers, CPAP, glucose meters, oxygen tanks) – Replace if exposed to heat or chemicals.
Baby Supplies – Replace formula, baby food, bottles, and pacifiers — even slight smoke contact can make them unsafe.
Pet Food and Medications – Replace due to contamination risks.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep replacement receipts — your insurer often reimburses these under personal property coverage.

🧺 2. Kitchen and Food Supplies

Even items in closed cupboards can be unsafe after a fire.

All Perishable and Non-Perishable Food – Heat can spoil canned goods and packaging can absorb toxins.
Plastic or Rubber Utensils and Containers – Replace; they absorb smoke odors and chemicals.
Wooden Kitchen Tools and Cutting Boards – Porous surfaces trap soot and bacteria.
Microwave, Coffee Maker, Toaster, and Blender – Replace if they were in the smoke or heat zone; wiring can be damaged.
Cookware and Nonstick Pans – Replace melted, warped, or smoke-coated pans (especially nonstick).
Dishware and Glassware – Inspect carefully; replace cracked or smoky items.
Water Filter Pitchers and Refrigerator Filters – Replace filters and any device that uses them.

💡 Tip: Even canned foods can become toxic if exposed to high heat — look for bulging lids or discoloration.

🛏️ 3. Bedroom and Personal Items

These hold soot, smoke, and bacteria that can cause long-term health issues.

Mattresses and Box Springs – Always replace; even light smoke exposure traps toxins in fibers.
Pillows, Blankets, and Comforters – Replace all soft goods; they absorb odors permanently.
Sheets, Curtains, and Upholstery – Replace heavily smoked or melted fabrics.
Clothing – Wash salvageable items professionally; replace burned, melted, or smoke-stained clothing.
Shoes and Accessories – Replace leather, foam, or rubber items that absorbed smoke.
Makeup, Lotions, and Personal Care Products – Replace; smoke alters chemical composition.
Toothbrushes, Razors, and Hairbrushes – Replace immediately for hygiene safety.

💡 Tip: Keep an itemized list of every piece of clothing and linen replaced — your adjuster may request this.

💻 4. Electronics and Appliances

Even small electrical exposure can cause hidden fire risks.

Televisions and Computers – Replace if smoke reached inside vents; soot causes corrosion.
Gaming Consoles, Routers, and Modems – Replace; circuitry can be damaged by heat or soot.
Phones, Tablets, and Chargers – Replace any devices that were powered on during the fire.
Refrigerator and Freezer – Replace if exposed to heat or power loss for extended periods.
Washer and Dryer – Replace if located near fire or smoke — motor damage is common.
Microwave, Oven, and Range Hood – Replace; residue can ignite later if not completely decontaminated.
Small Appliances (irons, fans, vacuums) – Replace if cords or casings smell of smoke.

💡 Pro Tip: Never plug in a smoke-exposed appliance — it could short-circuit and reignite.

🧸 5. Children’s Items and Toys

Children are especially sensitive to fire residue and chemicals.

Stuffed Animals and Soft Toys – Replace; impossible to fully clean.
Plastic Toys and Dolls – Replace melted or discolored items.
Board Games and Books – Replace smoke-absorbed or warped items.
Baby Gear (strollers, car seats, cribs) – Replace; plastic and foam degrade in heat.
School Supplies and Art Materials – Replace markers, crayons, and paper products.

💡 Tip: Document toy replacements for reimbursement — insurance often covers these as “personal property.”

🛋️ 6. Furniture and Home Goods

Soot can penetrate deeply into fabrics and padding.

Couches, Chairs, and Recliners – Replace if smoke or water damaged.
Area Rugs and Carpets – Replace; odor and residue often remain even after cleaning.
Lamps and Light Fixtures – Replace melted or soot-covered components.
Window Blinds and Shades – Replace; materials trap odor and particulates.
Wood Furniture – Refinish or replace if coated in soot or warped by heat.

💡 Pro Tip: If you can’t remove the smoke smell after professional cleaning, the insurer should treat the item as a total loss.

🧴 7. Bathroom and Cleaning Items

Heat and smoke alter chemicals — making them unsafe to use.

Shampoo, Conditioner, and Soaps – Replace due to contamination.
Cosmetics and Lotions – Replace melted or smoke-exposed containers.
Toothpaste and Mouthwash – Always replace for hygiene.
Cleaning Products and Detergents – Replace melted, opened, or smoke-exposed bottles.
Towels and Bath Mats – Replace if they hold smoke or soot odor.

📚 8. Important Papers and Documents

Replace or reissue critical paperwork — soot can make them unreadable or unsafe.

Driver’s License and ID Cards
Social Security Cards
Birth Certificates and Passports
Insurance Policies and Property Deeds
Vehicle Titles and Registration
Tax Records and Financial Documents

💡 Tip: Many government agencies will replace documents for free after a declared disaster.

🧾 9. HVAC and Air Quality

Clean or replace everything that circulates air — it’s your home’s lungs.

HVAC Filters – Replace immediately and again after 30 days.
Ductwork – Replace or professionally clean; soot buildup spreads odor.
Air Purifiers and Filters – Replace all filters and units exposed to smoke.
Dehumidifiers and Fans – Replace if near the fire or heavy smoke zone.

💡 Pro Tip: Your insurance often covers professional HVAC cleaning or replacement — make sure to document with before/after photos.

💡 10. Outdoor and Garage Items

Even outdoor gear can absorb chemicals and soot.

Grills, Propane Tanks, and Tools – Replace damaged or heat-exposed items.
Bicycles, Helmets, and Sports Gear – Replace melted or smoke-coated items.
Lawn Equipment and Power Tools – Replace if cords or casings are heat-damaged.
Garden Hoses and Outdoor Furniture – Replace if warped or smoke-stained.

❤️ House Fire Solutions Pro Tips

✅ Take photos of every damaged item before disposing of it.
✅ Keep replacement receipts — many policies cover “like-kind” replacements.
✅ Prioritize health-related replacements first (medications, food, bedding).
✅ Store all documentation digitally for your insurance claim.
✅ If unsure whether to clean or replace, err on the side of safety — smoke contamination is invisible but toxic.