Owner`s manual

Flood-Damaged Furniture and Appliances
DECIDING WHAT TO SALVAGE AND TIPS ON RECONDITIONING
Evaluating appliance damage is
a high priority after a flood. Have
a service person check flooded
appliances before you attempt
operation or invest a lot of time
in clean-up.
Deciding which furniture to save
may be a more personal issue,
especially if you have antiques
and other pieces with
sentimental value. Keep in mind
that you don't need to repair all
pieces of salvageable furniture
immediately. You can clean, dry
and store them in a warm,
well-ventilated place until you
have time to deal with them.
APPLIANCES
Before entering a home after a flood, be sure that the electricity to the
dwelling has been completely shut off. (See the fact sheet, “Electrical
Systems and Appliances.”) Appliances should not be operated until they
have been checked by service personnel.
Here are some things that may need to be done:
♦ Electrical motors may need to be reconditioned or replaced.
♦ Wiring and fixtures need to be checked and cleaned. They may also
need replacement.
♦ Before cleaning and sanitizing an appliance, be sure the motor is in
safe working order. It may not be worth the time to clean up the unit.
♦ A rust inhibitor may need to be applied to all metal parts. Even
though an appliance may not have been submerged, rust can develop
from dampness in the air.
REFRIGERATORS AND FREEZERS
Sanitize the refrigerator or freezer if water has seeped in. Be sure the
motor and freezing unit are in safe working order and insulation is not wet.
Wet insulation means replacement may be necessary.
♦ Remove and wash all shelves, crispers and ice trays. Wash thoroughly
with water and detergent. Rinse with a disinfectant solution.
♦ Wash the interior of the refrigerator, including the door and door
gasket, with hot water and baking soda. Rinse with a disinfectant
solution.
♦ Leave the door open for about 15 minutes to allow free air
circulation.
♦ If odor remains, place several pieces of activated charcoal in an open
metal container, or use a commercial refrigerator deodorizer.
♦ Wash the outside with a mild detergent and hot water.
LAUNDRY EQUIPMENT
After washers and dryers have been reconditioned, sanitize them as
follows:
University of Wisconsin-Extension • Cooperative Extension FLOOD-SALVAGING POSSESSIONS
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