General sorting guide for items touched by floodwater
- Item
- Upholstered furniture and mattresses
- Usually
- Discard
- Why
- Stuffing absorbs contaminated water and cannot be disinfected reliably
- Item
- Solid wood furniture
- Usually
- Often salvageable
- Why
- Clean, disinfect and dry slowly; veneers may lift
- Item
- Particleboard or laminate furniture
- Usually
- Discard if swollen
- Why
- Swelling and delamination do not reverse
- Item
- Metal, glass and hard plastic
- Usually
- Clean and keep
- Why
- Non-porous surfaces can be washed and disinfected
- Item
- Clothing and washable fabrics
- Usually
- Often salvageable
- Why
- Wash promptly in hot water with detergent; discard if mildewed
- Item
- Books and papers
- Usually
- Mostly discard
- Why
- Freezing can buy time for irreplaceable items until a conservator can help
- Item
- Photos
- Usually
- Try to save
- Why
- Rinse gently in clean water, separate, and air-dry face up
- Item
- Food and medicine
- Usually
- Discard if touched
- Why
- Includes sealed items with paper labels or non-waterproof lids
- Item
- Children's soft toys
- Usually
- Discard
- Why
- Cannot be adequately disinfected
- Item
- Electronics
- Usually
- Have checked before use
- Why
- Do not power on items that were submerged
Contaminated floodwater changes the answer for many items that would survive a clean-water leak.
Photograph first, then decide
Before anything leaves the house, take pictures that show the item, the water line on it, and where possible a brand label or model number. A short video panning across each room works well as a backup. If you have flood coverage that includes contents, the adjuster will want proof of what was damaged, and photos of a curbside pile are far less useful than photos of items in place.
For expensive pieces such as a sofa, rug or appliance, cut and keep a small sample of the fabric or note the serial number. Ask your insurer whether they want to see certain items before disposal. Keep receipts for any cleaning supplies, dumpster rental or storage you pay for, since some of those costs may count toward the claim.
Castle Rock summers can be hot, so wet piles start to smell within a day. If the adjuster cannot come quickly, ask whether photos and samples are enough to proceed with disposal.
Hard calls
- IfThe item is irreplaceable, like a family quilt or heirloom photo albumSeparate it, keep it cool, and ask a professional conservator or contents restoration specialist about cleaning options.
- IfSolid wood furniture sat in water for hoursClean, disinfect and dry it slowly away from direct sun. Expect some warping; decide after it dries.
- IfA rug is wool or valuableAsk a rug cleaning specialist whether contaminated-water cleaning is possible before discarding it.
- IfYou are unsure whether an item touched the waterIf it sat below the high-water line or in a box on the floor, treat it as contaminated.
Contents cleanup supplies worth having
General information for Castle Rock, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.