Flooding: Before & After
Restoring Vital Services — Clothing and linens
As soon as possible, separate wet items so colors won't run together. Sort items that can be washed from those that ordinarily would be dry-cleaned. Allow items that should be dry-cleaned to dry slowly at room temperature, away from direct heat. Shake, brush or vacuum off loose dirt before dry-cleaning.
Rinse mud-stained washable fabrics in cool water until no more loose dirt can be rinsed out. Use a bucket or tub, not the washing machine, so extra dirt won't get into the machine. Or dry first and scrape the mud off before rinsing.
When you are ready to wash, sort items by color, if possible. Fill washer with warm, not hot, water. Hot water may set red and yellow clay stains. Add plenty of detergent (follow detergent instructions for heavily soiled garments). To kill germs and help remove stains (especially mildew) on white items, add one-half to 1 cup of household laundry chlorine bleach. Do not pour bleach directly on top of clothes. Mix bleach with the wash water, then add clothes or linens. Excess chlorine can weaken fibers and clothes may disentigrate in the wash process.
Most items, except wool, silk, feathers and foam, can be bleached (follow directions for bleach test on bleach bottle if unsure), or disinfect laundry with pine oil of phenolic disinfectants according to label directions. It may be best to wash very delicate and/or very large, bulky items by hand in basin, sink or tub. Roll small items in a towel to remove extra water before drying.
Glass fiber curtains and draperies (unless label says machine washable) should not be machine washed and dried. Instead, wash in large tub or bathtub. Add plenty of mild detergent or soap. Do not add bleach. Swish and soak. Rinse well. Be sure to rinse tub afterwards to remove glass fibers. Rehang curtains at windows while still damp. Smooth gently into shape.