Owner`s manual

Home Clean-Up and Sanitation
SAFELY CLEANING A FLOOD-DAMAGED HOME
Clean-up priorities will vary
depending upon the kind and
seriousness of damage to your
home. But assuming major
concerns such as structural
safety, basement flooding, and
electrical and water systems
have been addressed, clean-up
can begin inside.
Start cleaning your furnishings
as soon as possible. Your aim
should be to thoroughly dry and
clean the house before trying to
live in it or have permanent
repairs made. Early efforts
should include taking furniture,
rugs, bedding and clothing
outside to dry and prevent
mildew.
SET PRIORITIES AND KEEP SAFETY IN
MIND
As you begin clean-up, focus on accomplishing the most important tasks
first. Resist over-exerting yourself.
♦ Give special attention to cleaning children's toys, cribs, playpens and
play equipment. Boil any items a toddler or baby might put in his or
her mouth. Discard stuffed toys, water-logged toys and non-cleanable
items.
♦ Keep chemicals used for disinfecting and poisons used for insect and
rodent control out of children's reach.
♦ Wear protective clothing on legs, arms, feet and hands while cleaning
up debris.
GENERAL RULES FOR CLEANING AND
DISINFECTING
♦ Wash exposed skin frequently in purified water. Wear rubber gloves
to protect against contamination and skin irritation.
♦ Try using a pump-up garden sprayer or hose to remove layers of mud
from hard surfaces.
♦ Scrub with a household cleaner/detergent solution and a brush to
remove remaining surface oil. Rinse with clean water.
♦ Wash with a disinfectant, such as chlorine bleach, pine oil or a
phenolic product, such as Lysol. Remember, a product is considered
to be a “disinfectant” only if it is labeled as such. Rinse well.
♦ Dry items thoroughly to prevent mildew growth.
♦ Sanitize dishes, cooking utensils and food preparation areas before
using them (see fact sheet, “Disinfecting Dishes, Cookware and
Utensils”).
REMOVING MOLD AND MILDEW
♦ Brush off mold and mildew growth on household items outdoors to
prevent scattering of spores in the house.
♦ Vacuum floors, ceilings and walls to remove mildew. Then wash
surfaces with a detergent/household cleaner and water solution.
University of Wisconsin-Extension • Cooperative Extension FLOOD-CLEAN-UP/REPAIR
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