The short answer
Porous Items
Any material that soaks up water holds bacteria and mold. Carpet and padding are almost always beyond saving after a flood. Upholstered sofas and chairs, mattresses, box springs, pillows, and stuffed toys fall into the same category. Even if they dry out, hidden moisture can cause mold growth inside.
Drywall that got wet should be removed, especially if the water touched the insulation behind it. Insulation itself soaks up water and cannot be cleaned. Particleboard furniture, laminate furniture, and pressed-wood cabinets also absorb water and warp. Throw these out rather than trying to dry them.
- Carpet and padding
- Mattresses and box springs
- Upholstered furniture
- Pillows and stuffed toys
- Drywall and insulation
- Particleboard furniture
Food and Medicine
Floodwater often contains sewage, chemicals, and other contaminants. Anything edible that came into contact with it is unsafe. This includes sealed cans, bottles, and jars because water can seep into the seals. Throw away all food, drinks, and spices that got wet, even if they look fine.
Medicine, vitamins, and supplements should also go in the trash if they touched floodwater. The water can damage the pills or make them unsafe to take. Check your medicine cabinet and discard anything that shows signs of moisture. See a doctor if you feel unwell after handling flood-damaged items.
- All fresh produce and packaged food
- Canned goods and bottled drinks
- Spices, herbs, and condiments
- Medicine, vitamins, and supplements
- Baby formula and pet food
- Anything stored in cardboard or paper
Personal Items
Paper items like books, documents, photos, and important papers rarely survive a flood. They soak up water, stick together, and grow mold quickly. If you have irreplaceable photos or documents, set them aside to dry carefully in a well-ventilated area. You can try to salvage them, but expect damage.
Cosmetics, makeup, and personal care products that got wet should be thrown out. The water introduces bacteria into the containers. Toothbrushes, razors, and other items that touch your body are also sensible to replace. Clothing and bedding that touched floodwater should be washed in hot water with detergent, but if they smell musty after washing, discard them. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
Electronics and Appliances
Small electronics like phones, laptops, and tablets that got wet are usually difficult to save. Water damages the internal circuits, and even if they turn on, they may fail later. Unplug them and let them dry completely before testing. If they show any signs of damage, take them to a professional for evaluation.
Large appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers can sometimes be cleaned, but it depends on how much water they absorbed. If the appliance has insulation inside, like a refrigerator door, it may be ruined. Check the manufacturer's instructions for flood recovery. If the appliance was submerged, it is often safer to replace it.
Cleaning and Safety
After sorting, clean all hard surfaces that you keep. Use a mixture of detergent and water to wash walls, floors, and countertops. Then disinfect with a bleach solution or another household disinfectant. Wear gloves, a mask, and long sleeves while cleaning to protect yourself from contaminants.
Do not try to save items that are heavily contaminated or have deep cracks where bacteria can hide. The cost of cleaning some items may exceed their value. When you are unsure, throw the item away. The pros can help you decide what is worth keeping during a flood damage cleanup. If you live in Oakland, consider contacting local water damage pros for a thorough assessment.
- Wear rubber gloves and a mask
- Use detergent and water first
- Disinfect with bleach solution
- Dry items completely before storing
- Take photos of damaged items for your records
- Check your policy for coverage details
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Call (510) 318-3798 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (510) 318-3798Frequently asked questions
Can I save books and photos after a flood?
Sometimes, if you act quickly. Freeze wet books and photos to stop mold, then thaw and dry them slowly. Photos can be rinsed gently and laid flat to dry. But most paper items will be damaged. Prioritize drying the most important ones and expect to throw away the rest.
Should I throw away clothes that got wet in a flood?
Washable clothing can often be saved. Rinse it first to remove mud, then wash in hot water with detergent and a disinfectant. If clothes still smell musty after washing, throw them out. Delicate fabrics, leather, and fur that got wet are usually beyond saving.
What about furniture that only got slightly wet?
Solid wood furniture might be saved if it dries quickly and shows no warping. But pressed wood, laminate, and upholstered pieces should be discarded. Even slight water exposure can lead to mold inside. If you are unsure, have a professional inspect it before keeping it.