The most pressing concern for people after flood damage is usually their home. However, many people wonder how to care for their personal belongings. After all, they still need their clothes!
Here are some cleaning tips for clothing that dirty flood water has damaged.
Remove Any Mud
If mud is on any clothes, shake them off, beat the mud from them, and soak them in water to remove stains. If needed, rinse them off with a hose. It’s best to prevent mud from getting into a washer.
Dirt and other debris can clog a washer's water pump, causing the machine not to drain. Also, make sure to clean and disinfect surfaces that the clothing touched. The goal is to remove contaminants from the water on all countertops.
Sort and Separate Clothes
After removing the mud, sort the clothes into washables and dry cleaning. Sort the washables into colors and whites. Always remember to disinfect surfaces that the dirty clothes touch.
Hang Out Dry Cleaning
Hang the clothes that require dry cleaning in a place where they can air-dry away from the sun to avoid mold growth. When possible, take them to a dry cleaner and inform the cleaner of the situation. They can take care of the rest!
Clean Out the Washer & Dryer
Unfortunately, just washing clothes isn’t all that’s required. Before even washing clothes, clean the washer and dryer. If the washer and dryer were underwater, they will likely have a considerable buildup of debris, bacteria, and trash.
Besides regular flood damage, flood water may spread contaminants that will cling onto every article of clothing in these appliances. Take them apart, clean them out, and disinfect them.
After that, check the electronics for shorts, corrosions, and water. If you turn on your washer or dryer and see water in the control panel of either machine, a house fire may occur. Let the machines rest for a couple of days to let the water drain out before washing clothes.
Wash and Dry Other Clothing
Wash all the other clothing, using chlorine bleach to disinfect white clothing. Use a cup of Pine-Sol or Lysol during the wash cycle for clothes that can’t undergo bleaching. These two cleaners will help disinfect the clothing.
Tips for Leather Clothing
Leather clothing takes an exceptional level of care after sustaining flood damage. Clean off any mud from the leather while it is still wet. Using a soft cloth, gently scrub stitching and tight areas.
Stuff shoes to help them keep their shape while they dry. Then, condition and polish the leather. Try not to wear the clothing until its dries, as not waiting may cause cracks.
Austin Fire and Flood | Water Damage Restoration Specialists
Having a specialized team to care for a home after severe flood damage is vital. Austin Fire and Flood is a customer-focused company that helps clients rebuild after a flood. They have expert technicians and managers that focus on keeping all costs low.
Austin Fire and Flood offers free inspections on any potential flood damage restoration job. Call them at (512) 912-6814 to schedule an appointment in North Shoal Creek, TX, and the surrounding areas.
