What should be done to metal clothes hangers affected by smoke in a fire loss?

Metal clothes hangers that have been affected by smoke in a fire loss should be disposed of due to the potential for permanent contamination and corrosive damage caused by smoke residues. Smoke can leave behind soot and chemical byproducts that adhere to surfaces, including metal. Even if the hangers appear to be clean, the residues can lead to long-term deterioration, odor retention, and health hazards due to toxic substances.

Disposing of these hangers eliminates the risk of transferring harmful contaminants onto clothing or other items during storage or use. Additionally, reusing or attempting to clean them may not effectively remove all smoke residues, and simply painting over them does not address the underlying issues associated with contamination. Therefore, proper disposal ensures safety and promotes proper restoration practices following a fire incident.