How to Safely Wash Laundry After a Flood or Hurricane: Essential Steps for Clean and Disinfected Clothes
After a hurricane or flood, your clothes can be exposed to contaminated water, making proper cleaning crucial to avoid health risks. Floodwaters from these natural disasters often contain harmful bacteria, chemicals, and other debris, so disinfecting your laundry is essential. In this guide, we'll explain how to safely wash your clothes and linens using effective disinfectants like bleach, concentrated vinegar, or Rescue Tex, along with a good detergent to ensure your garments are safe to wear again.
1. Sorting Contaminated Laundry: Keep It Separate
Before starting, separate any clothes exposed to flood or hurricane waters from clean items. Store contaminated clothing in plastic bags or bins until ready to wash. Keeping these items isolated prevents cross-contamination and ensures you’re tackling the dirty laundry first.
2. Pre-Wash Treatment: Shake Off Excess Dirt
If your clothes have picked up mud or debris, give them a good shake outside before washing. This keeps your washer from getting clogged with dirt and makes the cleaning process more effective. For heavy mud, you might even want to rinse the items with a hose beforehand.
3. Disinfection Options: Choose the Right Method
Disinfecting flood- or hurricane-exposed laundry is key to ensuring the removal of harmful bacteria. Here are a few powerful options:
-
Bleach: For whites and colorfast fabrics, bleach is one of the most reliable disinfectants. Add 1 cup of bleach per full load of laundry. Always check the care instructions on your clothes to avoid damage to delicate fabrics.
-
Concentrated Vinegar: If you prefer a natural approach, concentrated vinegar is a great choice. It has strong antimicrobial properties and helps neutralize odors. Use 1 to 2 cups of concentrated vinegar in the rinse cycle. It’s safe for most fabrics and helps remove the musty smells that often linger after exposure to floodwaters or humidity from hurricanes.
-
Rescue Tex: For industrial-strength disinfection, Rescue Tex is an effective option, commonly used in commercial settings. Follow the manufacturer’s dilution and use instructions for maximum safety and effectiveness.
4. Using the Right Detergent: Deep Cleaning
Pair your disinfectant with a heavy-duty detergent to break down oils, grime, and organic matter from contaminated water. To ensure complete cleanliness, run an extra rinse cycle to remove all detergent, bleach, or vinegar residue.
5. Washing in Hot Water
Always use hot water when laundering flood- or hurricane-exposed clothing. Hot water helps kill bacteria and viruses, ensuring your garments are fully disinfected. Opt for a longer, heavy-duty wash cycle or a soak option for added cleaning power.
6. Drying: High Heat is Key
Dry your clothes in a high heat setting to kill any remaining bacteria or mold spores. If the fabric care label allows, tumble dry on the highest heat setting. If you’re air-drying, place your clothes in direct sunlight, as the sun’s UV rays act as a natural disinfectant.
7. Additional Tips: Keeping Clean Clothes Separate
After washing, make sure to keep freshly laundered clothes separate from any remaining contaminated items. Disinfect your laundry area—including hampers, folding tables, and your washing machine—before using them again to prevent cross-contamination.
After Hurricane Flooding: Extra Precautions
In the aftermath of a hurricane, floodwater contamination can be more severe due to the mix of seawater, sewage, and other chemicals. Extra attention should be paid to disinfection methods, and you may need to wash garments more than once for stubborn odors or contamination. Remember, the safety of your home and health is the top priority, so don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed.
Final Thoughts
Whether you've experienced a flood or hurricane, taking the proper steps to wash your laundry can help ensure that your clothes are not only clean but also safe to wear. By following these steps—separating contaminated items, using strong disinfectants, and drying at high heat—you can restore your garments and linens to their original state.
For a hassle-free solution, consider using a professional laundry service experienced in post-disaster cleaning. They can help ensure that all your items are properly disinfected and ready for use.