Safety

Cleaning Up After A Flood

Throw Away Wet Materials That Cannot Be Cleaned

For insurance purposes, take photographs of all damaged property you must dispose of
Wash curtains, clothing and bedding with hot soapy water; use bleach when possible
Flush rugs and furniture with clean water, and shampoo and air-dry them Clean Safely
Wear long pants, long sleeves, rubber boots, and rubber gloves when cleaning
Protect your eyes, nose and lungs
Use goggles and an N-95 mask, due to health concerns from mold
Use soap and water or cleaning supplies with a disinfectant for killing germs.
Never mix bleach with other cleaning supplies in the same bucket; follow instructions on manufacturer’s label
Open all doors and windows when you are working and leave as many open, as is safe, when you leave to pull help drying process and to pull fumes away from your work area o Open inside doors, especially closets and interior rooms, to let air flow into all areas
Open kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanity doors; remove drawers, wipe them clean, and stack them to dry o Open attic access to let air flow to the attic
Collect dust with a wet/dry shop vacuum
If mold is present, clean all mold you can see, and dry area right away
Always wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
People with asthma, allergies, or other breathing problems may be more sensitive to mold, if you aren’t sure if it is safe to clean up, call your healthcare provider

If carpets, clothing, paper and other absorbent materials cannot be completely dried, it is best to throw them out
Run bathroom and kitchen ventilators to keep air moving in your home
If there is no standing water, and it is safe to use electric appliances, use fans to help dry damp areas.
Water should be pumped out into your yard or into storm water drain pipes

CDC Tips for Mold Cleanup (PDF) (PPE)