Flood waters not only damage but contaminate dry clean only clothes with bacteria. Learn how to properly handle these clothes. To learn how to care for washable clothing after a flood, click here.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Several hours to several days

Here's How:

1. As soon as possible, sort washable clothing and dry clean only clothing into separate piles. Dry-clean only garments may need to be dry cleaned several times. Weigh the cost of multiple cleanings against the cost of the item. Replacement may be more cost-effective. Look through the dry clean only clothing to determine what is salvageable and what must be discarded.
   

1. If the clothing is heavily coated in mud, use a water hose to remove as much heavy soil as possible.
   
2. Allow the clothing to air dry away from direct heat and sun. Do not leave wet clothes in a pile or place in plastic bags because mildew and mold will grow.
   
3. As soon as possible, take the clothing to a professional dry cleaner. The dry cleaning process will disinfect the clothing and hopefully remove the stains. Be sure to tell the dry cleaner that the clothes have been in a flood.

Tips:

1. Do not sort wet, contaminated clothing on surfaces where bacteria can be spread. Clean every surface that comes in contact with the contaminated clothing.

What You Need:

• Hose
• Clothes line or indoor drying rack

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