House Fire - Can I Re-use My Cat’s Harnesses, Leashes, Toys, Soft Sided Carrying Bag, Brushes, Etc.?

iheartlife

iheartlife

TCS Member
Thread starter
Young Cat
Joined
Jul 20, 2015
Messages
98
Purraise
23
We recently had a house fire that totally destroyed our home. When getting our pets out I quickly put the cats in their soft-sided carrying bags which contained a harness, leash, brush, and a couple toys for each cat in the pockets on the side. All of these items reek of smoke from the fire. I know the smoke from house fires contains a lot of toxins so I’m not sure if I should try to save these items or just replace them outright. If they are thoroughly cleaned can they be re-used or is it safest just to replace everything? I’m only asking because until we get the insurance money, we don’t have a ton of money to spend on replacing items immediately and we literally need everything. If there is a way to clean these items to make them safe to use that would be very helpful, but if there’s even a small chance trace toxins will remain in the items just tell me it isn’t safe and I’ll throw them away in a heartbeat. I’m thinking it might not be possible to totally clean them to the point where they would be safe to use because we had to run the clothes we were wearing during the fire through a washing machine like 3 times before they stopped smelling like the smoke and the cat items definitely won’t survive a washing machine. Will soaking them in dawn soap and hot water then scrubbing them well get them clean and safe to use or will trace toxins remain to where I should just throw them away and add that to the list of things to replace? I don’t want to do anything that might harm my cats so please tell me the safest thing to do.
 
GoldyCat

GoldyCat

Moderator
Staff Member
Moderator
Joined
Jul 31, 2008
Messages
15,783
Purraise
4,700
Location
Arizona
Try a paste of baking soda and water, rub it in well and let it dry. Then you can brush it off, or vacuum items that too big to get sucked up into the vacuum.
 
Purr-fect

Purr-fect

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Apr 20, 2017
Messages
1,843
Purraise
5,568
iheartlife said:
We recently had a house fire that totally destroyed our home. When getting our pets out I quickly put the cats in their soft-sided carrying bags which contained a harness, leash, brush, and a couple toys for each cat in the pockets on the side. All of these items reek of smoke from the fire. I know the smoke from house fires contains a lot of toxins so I’m not sure if I should try to save these items or just replace them outright. If they are thoroughly cleaned can they be re-used or is it safest just to replace everything? I’m only asking because until we get the insurance money, we don’t have a ton of money to spend on replacing items immediately and we literally need everything. If there is a way to clean these items to make them safe to use that would be very helpful, but if there’s even a small chance trace toxins will remain in the items just tell me it isn’t safe and I’ll throw them away in a heartbeat. I’m thinking it might not be possible to totally clean them to the point where they would be safe to use because we had to run the clothes we were wearing during the fire through a washing machine like 3 times before they stopped smelling like the smoke and the cat items definitely won’t survive a washing machine. Will soaking them in dawn soap and hot water then scrubbing them well get them clean and safe to use or will trace toxins remain to where I should just throw them away and add that to the list of things to replace? I don’t want to do anything that might harm my cats so please tell me the safest thing to do.
Click to expand...
I would throw out the toys as the cats might chew on them, ingesting toxins.

The hard items might be able to be washed.

The soft carrying bags should probably be thrown out. If they smell to you, imagine what they must smell like to the cats. The bags won't survive multiple washings. Dont risk the cats health.

Rolled up balls of paper, ping pong balls, cardboard boxes with holes cut out, toilet paper rolls, balled up socks, string tied to a stick, ect all make for, cheap cat toys.
 
Last edited:
Jem

Jem

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Aug 6, 2018
Messages
5,587
Purraise
11,270
You could try soaking the harness, leash and brush in vinegar/water and baking soda, yes it will fizz and bubble.
When it comes to the bags, I wonder if they could also sustain a vinegar/soda bath, then let them air out to dry after a good rinsing.

A mix of hot water, vinegar and baking soda is how I clean my drains and washing machine (boiling water to rinse the drains), so it obviously is strong enough to de-gunk gross drains and it leaves my bathroom and kitchen smelling fresh. It is also very safe to use around pets. Worst case it does not work and baking soda and vinegar are very inexpensive items. I have never used soft carrying cases, so I don't know how "sturdy" they are.

I'm so sorry about your home and belongings. What you experienced is one of my worst fears, so I can only imagine your heartache. :alright:
I am glad however that you and you family were able to get out and you were able to save your animals.
(I assume everyone got out OK? :confused2:)

Wishing you all the best moving forward:heartshape:

:hangin:
 
GoldyCat

GoldyCat

Moderator
Staff Member
Moderator
Joined
Jul 31, 2008
Messages
15,783
Purraise
4,700
Location
Arizona
I do wash my soft-sided carriers in the washing machine, some disassembly required. What kind/brand of carriers do you have?
 
susanm9006

susanm9006

Willow
Top Cat
Joined
Feb 20, 2011
Messages
13,217
Purraise
30,423
Location
Minnesota
It certainly could t hurt to try to remove the odor through washing but even if the smell seems gone to you, a cats more sensitive may still smell it. Cat carriers are always showing up at thrift stores and can be picked up for a few dollars each. The harnesses and leashes should probably be bought new.
 
fionasmom

fionasmom

Moderator
Staff Member
Moderator
Joined
Jun 21, 2014
Messages
13,312
Purraise
17,588
Location
Los Angeles
I am so sorry for your terrible loss and hope that you will be able to get back on your feet quickly. It is a blessing that you and your family and pets were taken to safety.

Unfortunately, I have friends who have experienced some of the terrible CA fires of the past and I agree that toxins are an issue and anything that is not completely cleanable should be thrown out.

Are there any rescue groups or organizations that might help you replace some of the items for the pets?
 
vyger

vyger

TCS Member
Super Cat
Joined
Jun 24, 2017
Messages
810
Purraise
1,434
Location
Northeast Montana
Dry cleaning will remove the smoke residue. it uses a solvent so it takes out tar and other stuff like that. However, dry cleaning doesn't work for all fabrics. Many dry cleaners have formulas specific for smoke problems.
You can also try ozone treatment although some plastics have problems with ozone. Ozone is a chemically active form of oxygen that binds to and neutralizes chemicals. It is used to eliminate orders. In smoke damaged houses they set up ozone generators and leave them run for a day or more. It makes a huge difference and is often the first step of fire cleanup and restoration especially since it makes it easier for the people doing the cleanup. Most cleaning companies have large ozone machines. All you would need to do is leave the items in a room with the ozone machine and it neutralizes the problem smoke smell. They would still need to be washed but it's a lot easier after it has been treated.
For this problem Google is likely your best resource.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top