Cleaning Flood Damaged Clothing
Flood waters may be contaminated with sewage waste so it is important that flood soiled clothing be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected in order to kill harmful bacteria. Prompt attention may save much of your clothing that has been damaged by flood waters. If possible, do not permit the flood water and mud to dry in shoes or garments.

 Washable Garments

  • Check your care label to make sure that garments are washable.
  • If labeled "hand washable only" then hand wash. Do NOT put into the washing machine!
  • If garment is dry, brush off loose dirt.
  • Rinse in clean, cool water to remove mud and flood water. This will take several rinsings, until rinse water is clear.
  • Work a heavy duty detergent (liquid) or paste of granular detergent into all stained areas. Let stand 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Follow care labels and wash in hottest water safe for garment with detergent.
  • SANITIZE using a disinfectant. Always test on an inconspicuous seam to be sure it does not harm the garment, such as a color change. Add to washing machine before adding clothing.
    • Liquid chlorine beach (Clorox or Purex) if safe for garment. Do NOT use on washable wools and silks. Follow directions for use carefully!
    • Pine oil (Pine-O-Pine, Fune Pine) is safe for most washable garments. Do NOT use on washable wools and silks since the odor will remain.
    • Phenolic (Pine-Sol, Al-Pine) is safe for most washable garments. Do not use on washable wools and silks, since odor will remain.
  • Hang garments to dry.

Dry Cleanable Clothing

Take to the dry cleaner as soon as possible! Be sure to shake and brush well to remove as much dirt as possible. Give the dry cleaner as much information as possible about:

  • What caused the stains
  • The fiber content of the fabric, if known.

When Dry Cleaning Service is Not Available

Garments still damp with muddy water:

  • Rinse in cold water to remove water soluble, clay type soil.. Rinse garment as quickly as possible to avoid bleeding of dyes and to keep shrinkage to a minimum.
  • Gently squeeze out excess water and shake out wrinkles. Rolling in dry towels will help remove excess water.
  • Place garment on hanger and dry in cool air or smooth it out on a flat surface to dry.

Garments that are only partly wet

  • Try to rinse out the wet portion without dipping the entire garment in cold water. If this cannot be done without leaving a strong stain line, it is better to dip the entire garment.
  • Shake out wrinkles and dry in cool air.

Dry garments with soil in them

The soil may be difficult to remove. Shake well to remove as much soil as possible before sending to dry cleaner.

Wet garments, but not soiled

Dry in cool air to prevent mildew and transfer of dye.