Can water or smoke damaged antiques be saved after a house fire?

Often more can be saved than people expect, but speed matters. Wet furniture should be dried slowly in a ventilated area, out of direct sun and away from heaters, to avoid warping and cracking. Mold can develop quickly, so get damp items out of sealed spaces. Smoke residue is acidic and can etch finishes and metals the longer it sits.

Contact your insurance company before discarding or treating anything, and photograph everything. Many insurers work with disaster restoration and contents cleaning companies, and some situations call for a conservator, especially for paintings, documents, photographs and textiles.

Avoid aggressive scrubbing or household cleaners on soot, since that can smear it deeper. Insurance coverage and claim procedures vary by policy and state, so ask your agent what is covered. An appraiser can also help document value for the claim.