Flooding: Cleaning Up Your Home After a Flood

Step 1: Gather cleaning tools. Buckets, mops, trash bags, cleaning rags, ammonia-free household cleaner, laundry detergent, dish soap, measuring cups, and household bleach (5% chlorine).

Step 2: Set up a handwashing area for handwashing throughout the cleaning process. For rinsing hands, use water that has been boiled for 1 minute, or make a solution of ¼ teaspoon of household bleach per 1 gallon of water.

Step 3: Protect yourself and your family during cleaning.

• Keep children and pets out of the affected area until cleanup has been completed.
• Wear protective equipment, including rubber boots, rubber gloves that cover most of the arm, disposable coveralls, N-95 face mask (respirator), and eye protection.
• Wear earplugs or protective headphones to reduce risk from equipment noise.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill.

Step 4: Inspect the building.

• Stay away from damaged buildings or structures until they have been inspected for structural safety.
• Wait to return to buildings during daylight hours, when it is easier to avoid hazards, particularly if the electricity is off and you have no lights.
• Check and clean heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems before use.
• Fix any water leaks.
• If using an onsite private sewage system, your system must be inspected and serviced prior to using an in-home washing machine.

Step 5: Remove contaminated items that cannot be cleaned/salvaged.
Items that cannot be washed and disinfected may have to be removed and disposed of if they were contaminated with sewage or flood waters. This includes:

Step 6: Clean.

Never mix bleach and ammonia, or bleach and acids. This creates toxic gases that are dangerous and can cause serious injury.

• Help the drying process by using fans, air conditioning units, and dehumidifiers.
• To clean hard surfaces that may have been in contact with floodwater (such as flooring, concrete, molding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures): First, wash with a household cleaner (non-ammonia) and clean water. Next, disinfect with a mixture of 1 cup of bleach in 5 gallons of water. Allow to air dry.
• To remove observed mold: Mix 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water, wash the item with the bleach mixture, scrub rough surfaces with a stiff brush, rinse the item with clean water, then allow to dry.
• To wash clothing: Wash any clothes contaminated with flood or sewage water (including clothes worn during cleanup) in hot water and laundry detergent. It is recommended that a commercial laundromat be used for washing large quantities of clothes and linens. Wash contaminated clothes separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.
  • For more information: See the handout entitled "Cleaning and Sanitizing with Bleach after an Emergency."

Step 7: Additional precautions when cleaning around /outside the residence.

• Wash Your Hands Regularly! After all cleanup activities, be sure to wash your hands to avoid ingesting bacteria and viruses, other waterborne diseases, or hazardous materials. Use alcohol-based gel hand sanitizer after thoroughly washing hands.
• Avoid smoking or using open flames until you are assured that all gas utilities, appliances, and fixtures are in proper working condition.
• Have at least one fire extinguisher, with a UL rating of at least 10A, at every cleanup job.
• Use teams of two or more people to move bulky objects. Avoid lifting any material that weighs more than 50 pounds (per person).
• When using a chain saw, operate the saw according to the manufacturer's instructions, wear appropriate protective equipment, avoid contact with power lines, be sure that bystanders are at a safe distance, and take extra care in cutting trees or branches that have gotten bent or caught under another object.
• In hot weather, try to stay cool by taking breaks in shaded areas or in cool rooms, drinking water, and wearing light and loose-fitting clothing when not engaged in cleaning and sanitizing. Do outdoor activities during cooler hours.
• Dispose of debris, tree limbs, furniture, mattresses, and large or bulky items following instructions provided by your local community leaders.