How to Wash Contaminated Clothes
How to Restore Leather Shoes After a Flood
Water is particularly damaging for leather dress or athletic shoes, handbags, hats, and clothes and floodwaters filled with mud and bacteria are even worse. In fact, most suede and nubuck boots and shoes cannot be salvaged after a flood. If minor damage is caught in time, however, you may be able to salvage leather goods damaged by floodwaters. Do not put mud-covered clothing directly in the washer, because the sludge can overwhelm the washer’s drainage system.
How to Disinfect a Contaminated Washer and Dryer
Washers and laundry rooms can be contaminated with bacteria after floods or a water main break. If your washer has been contaminated with floodwaters, you should clean and disinfect it before washing any contaminated items. Then, be prepared to clean it once again after washing clothes contaminated by floodwaters in it.
How to Prevent and Remove Mildew in the Laundry Room
Even without a flood, laundry rooms offer the perfect climate for mold growth. Mold is destructive to the structure of your home and can jeopardize health. Taking steps to control humidity, frequent checks for the beginnings of mold growth, and quick clean-up can keep problems at bay. Keeping humidity in the laundry room below 50 percent will deter mold growth, prevent your dryer from working harder, and make you feel more comfortable. Humidity can be reduced with a dehumidifier, an open window, a good ventilation system, or a ceiling fan. If you live in a high humidity climate and your laundry room has poor ventilation, use a semi-gloss paint for the walls and ceiling that has an anti-mold and mildew agent added. Clothes should be removed from the washer immediately and hung on a clothesline or dried in the dryer. Wet clothes can actually mildew in the washer. If they are removed without treating the mildew, spores can spread and cause more problems. Water connections to the washer should be checked frequently for leaks. Even if you don’t see a leak, there could be hidden trouble. Using a dry hand or cloth, wipe around each connection to feel for dampness. A water leak will often cause walls to bubble or ripple. It can also cause mold to grow in the insulation behind the drywall. If you see a black or bluish stain on the wall, clean-up must begin immediately. Washers, especially front-load models, can harbor mold and mildew spores. Frequent cleaning and leaving the door of the washer open after each cycle can help alleviate problems. The build-up of dryer lint can also cause mold problems. Dryers should vent outside with an approved dryer vent. Check the vent frequently to ensure that it is securely attached to the dryer and is clear of lint. If you feel the transfer of air around the vent when the dryer is running, there are holes that are leaking moist air. Replace it as soon as possible. Removing the lint from the dryer filter after each use is essential to keeping your dryer operating properly and preventing fires. Lint can also build-up in the dryer hose and around the outside vent encouraging mold growth. If you notice a musty smell in your dryer, it is time to clean the venting thoroughly. At the first noticeable sign of mildew or whiff of mustiness, use a scrub brush and a solution of water and chlorine bleach (follow product label directions) to wipe down surfaces. Be sure to wear a mask and gloves to protect yourself from airborne spores. When cleaning the laundry, use an antibacterial spray or cleaning product to prevent regrowth. If the mold has grown on wood trim, drywall, or insulation, the area must be replaced to get rid of the mold infestation.
