Cleaning household textiles and clothing after a flood

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Among the top priorities in the aftermath of a flood is salvaging as many of your household textiles and clothing items as possible. Similar to drying out your home, quick action is necessary to save your sheets, towels and wardrobe.

Household textiles and clothing can mildew if they are left wet or damp and piled together, said Gina Peek, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension housing and consumer specialist.

“Mildew could permanently damage most fabrics and especially natural fibers such as cotton, linen, rayon and wool. That’s one reason it’s so important to move as fast as possible,” said Peek.

As you are handling household textiles and clothing, consider wearing rubber gloves to protect your skin against any contaminants or debris in the soiled items, including fiberglass fibers.

Clear as much mud, dirt and other debris from items by rinsing, hosing, scraping and shaking items before prewashing them in cool water, Peek said.

If you have access to a washer, be sure to clean and disinfect the drum first before adding loads of laundry. If the washer does not have an automatic prewash or presoak setting, set the machine to agitate then spin.

“Powdered detergents work best on clay and ground-in dirt. Put the detergent in first, add the water and let the detergent dissolve fully before loading your clothes in the washer,” Peek said. “Stick with smaller loads, but use full water levels to give clothes plenty of space to agitate. You’ll also want to add slightly more detergent than recommended. Read the label on the detergent. If feasible, consider adding a liquid household bleach (regular or color-safe) as a disinfectant.”

Household textiles and clothing should then be laundered in the hottest water safe for the fabrics being cleaned.

“Wash items and avoid drying them until you’re satisfied they’re clean. The heat can permanently set stains,” Peek said. “Use the rinse water to gauge the cleanliness of items. If the water is dirty or cloudy, launder pieces until the water runs clear.”

Dry-clean-only items should be taken to a dry cleaner after being air- or line-dried.

For more information on cleaning household textiles and clothing soiled by floodwater, contact the county Extension office.