Washing clothes that have been affected by sewage or contaminated floodwater can be challenging, but it is possible to salvage some items with the right precautions. Here are some considerations:
Safety First: It's crucial to prioritize personal safety when dealing with sewage-contaminated items. Wear protective gloves, masks, and boots to minimize direct contact with the contaminated water and garments. Avoid touching your face or mouth during the process and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
Separate and Sort: Separate the contaminated clothing from unaffected items to prevent cross-contamination. Sort the garments based on fabric type, color, and care instructions.
Pre-Treatment: Before washing, it's important to pre-treat the affected garments to minimize the contamination. Rinse the clothes thoroughly with clean water to remove any visible debris or sediment. For heavily soiled areas, you can gently dab or blot the stains with a mild detergent or stain remover. Avoid rubbing the stains, as it can embed them further into the fabric.
Sanitizing: To eliminate bacteria and viruses, it's advisable to use a disinfectant or a sanitizing agent during the washing process. Check the labels on the disinfectant products to ensure they are safe for use on fabrics and follow the instructions carefully. Alternatively, you can use household bleach by adding 1 cup (240 ml) of bleach to a standard-sized washer filled with water, but be cautious as bleach may affect certain fabrics and colors.
Washing Machine Settings: Use the highest water level and the longest wash cycle available on your washing machine. Set the water temperature according to the fabric care instructions. Hot water helps to kill bacteria, but ensure it won't damage the fabric. Use a heavy-duty laundry detergent and consider adding an extra rinse cycle to ensure thorough cleaning.
Delicate Fabrics: Some delicate fabrics may require special attention. If in doubt, it is best to consult a professional dry cleaner who specializes in handling delicate and damaged garments.
Air Drying: After washing, avoid using the dryer as heat can set any remaining stains or odors. Instead, air dry the garments in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors in direct sunlight if possible. Sunlight can help kill remaining bacteria and freshen the clothes.
However, please note that certain items may not be salvageable after heavy sewage contamination or if they have been submerged for an extended period. It's important to prioritize your health and safety, and when in doubt, consult professional cleaners or restoration experts who specialize in handling flood-damaged garments.