The short answer
First Steps After the Fire
Before touching any books, make sure the room is safe. Wear gloves, a mask, and long sleeves to protect yourself from soot and ash. Open windows if possible to improve ventilation, but avoid turning on fans that might spread dust.
Sort through the books carefully. Separate those that are only smoky from those that are wet or charred. Wet books need the fastest attention, as moisture can cause mold and further damage within hours.
Freezing Wet Books
If you have wet books, the right immediate step is to freeze them. Place each book in a plastic bag, squeeze out excess air, and seal it. Put them in a freezer set to the coldest setting. Freezing halts mold growth and keeps pages from sticking together.
Once frozen, you can thaw and dry them later, one at a time. This method works well for small collections. For large numbers of books, local water damage pros can help with specialized drying equipment.
- Freeze books as soon as possible to stop mold
- Use plastic bags to protect each book
- Keep frozen books separate from food
- Label bags with the book title and date
- Dry books slowly to avoid warping pages
- Handle charred books with extra care
Drying Smoke-Damaged Books
Books that are dry but smell of smoke need airing. Place them upright with pages fanned out in a dry, well-ventilated room. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade covers and warp bindings. Change the air in the room regularly by opening windows.
You can try placing open boxes of baking soda near the books to absorb odors, but this is not a complete solution. For persistent smoke smell, consider consulting a professional who specializes in fire restoration, as they have methods to neutralize odors without harming paper.
When to Let Go
Some books are beyond saving. If a book is heavily charred, has melted pages, or is covered in thick soot that cannot be removed, it may be safer to discard it. Soot can be acidic and cause further damage over time.
Also, if a book was soaked in water and then dried before you could freeze it, mold may have already set in. Moldy books can pose health risks. If you see mold, wear a mask and place the book in a sealed bag, then decide whether to discard it or seek professional help.
Professional Help Options
For valuable or irreplaceable books, professional restoration may be worth it. Local water damage pros can handle drying, deodorizing, and cleaning books after a fire. They have tools like freeze-drying chambers and ozone treatments that are not available to homeowners.
If you live in Caldwell, you can search for fire restoration services in your area. Before hiring anyone, ask about their experience with books and request a written plan. Also, check with your insurance company about coverage for damaged belongings. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
- Ask about experience with book restoration
- Request a written plan before work begins
- Check with your insurance company about coverage
- Keep a list of damaged books for records
- Store salvaged books in a dry, cool place
Water damage does not wait
Call (208) 729-2441 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (208) 729-2441Frequently asked questions
Can I save books that were wet but not burned?
Yes, if you act quickly. Freeze wet books immediately to prevent mold and page sticking. Thaw and dry them slowly later. If mold has already started, the book may still be salvageable with professional help, but it is risky.
How do I remove smoke smell from books?
Air them out in a dry, ventilated room with pages fanned. Baking soda can help absorb odors, but it is not a cure. For strong smoke smell, professional ozone or thermal fog treatments are more effective.
Should I throw away books that were in the fire?
Not always. Books that are only smoky can often be cleaned. Books that are charred, melted, or heavily soot-covered may be unsafe to keep. Use your judgment and prioritize your health and safety.