If her findings are metal, and the beads impervious things like glass
or gemstone, then the smell is surface only, and any cleaning method
that does not physically damage the beads, should be able to remove
the dirt and smell. I'd use an ultrasonic with a mild cleaner if it
was me, with most beads and findings at least.
Porous materials, such as her beading cords like silk or nylon, and
the like, might not be cleanable. Worth a try. Even just time,
perhaps sitting out in the sun (a great bleaching and cleaning
agent, ultraviolet light...), may do the trick for those things. As
to the beads, things like fired but unglazed ceramic, bone, ivory,
cloth, and the like, might have absorbed enough of the smoke and
fumes to be difficult to clean
Also be aware that some plastics might absorb to some degree, the
odors from the fire, especially if they got a bit warm during the
fire.. That might mean that the plastic storage boxes she may be
using may be one of the more noticable sources of the residual
smell, while beads and things stored inside the boxes might actually
have been relatively protected.. Could be all she needs to replace
is the plastic storage boxes.
HTH.
Peter
