Introducing Shola Wragg, Contents Restoration Technician

We recently caught up with Shola Wragg, Contents Restoration Technician at Disaster Care East Midlands, to gain an insight into what a typical day looks like behind the scenes of disaster recovery.

Shola joined Disaster Care in May 2025 and, in that time, has already built a strong foundation of technical expertise and hands-on experience. Her role is varied and fast paced, reflecting the diverse nature of contents restoration.

No Two Days the Same

Shola predominantly works across hard contents, although her experience also extends into soft contents restoration when required. A typical day for her might begin with unpacking and carefully assessing items that have arrived from site. She methodically inspects each piece, documenting its condition before beginning the restoration process.

When working on electrical items, Shola carries out detailed cleaning before completing PAT testing to ensure every appliance is safe to return to the policyholder. With upholstered items such as sofas and mattresses, she carefully selects the appropriate cleaning methods to remove contamination while protecting fabrics, stitching and structure. For clothing and textiles, she logs every item into the internal system, checks for damage, and oversees specialist washing or restoration processes to achieve the best possible outcome.

Her role demands patience, precision and strong organisational skills. Shola understands that the items in front of her are rarely just belongings. They are part of someone’s home and history, often carrying significant sentimental value. That awareness shapes the care and attention she brings to her work each day.

Progression Through Expertise

One of the aspects Shola values most about her role is the opportunity for progression and continuous learning. Since joining Disaster Care, she has completed IICRC training in Fire & Smoke Restoration, as well as Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning.

These industry-recognised qualifications enhance her technical knowledge and reinforce the high standards expected across the Disaster Care network. For Shola, professional development is not simply about accreditation. It is about confidence in applying the correct processes and making informed decisions that deliver the right outcome first time.

Making a Difference

While the technical side of the role is significant, what stands out most for Shola is the human impact. Customers are often facing one of the most stressful experiences of their lives following fire or flood damage. Returning contents in pre-damage condition can be an emotional moment. Shola takes pride in knowing her work helps people feel a sense of normality and reassurance during a difficult time.

State of the Art Restoration Equipment

At Disaster Care East Midlands, Shola works with advanced restoration technology designed to maximise recovery and minimise waste. This includes ultra sonic cleaning systems for intricate items, Esporta wash systems for specialist textile cleaning, and DC4000 machines for effective washing, drying and decontamination.

These tools, combined with skilled assessment and testing, allow the team to restore items that might otherwise be deemed beyond economic repair.

A Standout Restoration

One particularly memorable project for Shola involved restoring a set of antique chairs for a policyholder. Given their age and delicate condition, the items required exceptional care and technical judgement.

The chairs were initially assessed by another furniture restorer within Disaster Care before being passed to Shola for further treatment. She carefully selected the appropriate chemicals and cleaning methods to ensure the materials were protected while removing contamination.

The result was a successful restoration, with the chairs returned to their original condition and a very satisfied policyholder. For Shola, it was a proud moment that demonstrated the value of expertise, collaboration, and patience.

Restoration Before Replacement

Sustainability and responsibility are central to the approach taken by Shola and the wider team. Every item is assessed and tested before any decision is made about disposal. Restoration is always considered first, both to reduce environmental impact and to protect the interests of the policyholder.

By prioritising restoration over replacement wherever possible, the team not only minimises waste but also helps preserve items that carry personal or financial significance.

For Shola, being a Contents Restoration Technician is about more than cleaning and repairing belongings. It is about combining care with technical excellence to restore confidence and normality when it matters most.

We also caught up with Daniel Cauldwell, a Senior Water Restoration Technician at Disaster Care East Midlands, to learn about life on the water damage side of disaster recovery. Find out more about a day in Daniel’s life here.