Tips from the Soap and Detergent Association

As soon as the flood waters recede, the priority becomes how to clean up clothes and other fabrics that have been soaked by muddy flood water. Here are some steps to launder and, hopefully, salvage as many garments as possible.

SCRAPE AND SHAKE dirt and residue from fabrics, then rinse or wash as soon as possible to help prevent the growth of mildew. While doing this, it´s a good idea to wear rubber gloves and a dust mask to avoid exposure to heavily contaminated soils.

PREWASH fabrics in cool water using powdered laundry detergent. These detergents are effective on clay and ground-in dirt. Do not use hot water because hot water may set stains.

1. Some washers have a prewash cycle that includes a short soak period; the washer may then automatically advance to the regular wash. Refer to your washer instruction manual to see how to set your washer for the automatic prewash cycle or how to manually set the controls to agitate and then spin.
2. Use small loads with a full water level.
3. To help remove protein stains, such as sewage, grass or blood, add an enzyme presoak product to the prewash.
4. Measure the detergent into the washer, then add water and allow the detergent to thoroughly dissolve before adding clothes.
5. Allow clothes to rinse and spin dry. At this point, do not dry in the dryer.

PRETREAT heavily soiled stains with a prewash soil and stain remover or an enzyme presoak product; follow label directions

1. A prewash soil and stain remover works well on oil-based stains like animal fats, body oils, cooking oils, cosmetics and motor oils.
2. An enzyme presoak works well on protein stains like blood, body fuids and grass.

WASH garments using small loads and full water level. Do not overload washer.

1. Use the hottest water safe for fabrics being washed.
2. Use a powdered laundry detergent (a powdered detergent is effective in removing clay and ground-in dirt), add slightly more detergent than recommended on the package.
3. Since clothing may have been contaminated with sewage, it is important to add a disinfectant to the wash. First check the garment label for any warning regarding the use of chlorine bleach. If permitted, use chlorine bleach, following label directions. However, first check for colorfastness per the product label.
4. Important Note: If there is a large amount of iron in soil deposits or in the water, chlorine bleach can cause rust stains to appear on fabrics.
5. If chlorine bleach is not recommended, a color-safe (oxygen) bleach will also help remove stains and odors and will not set rust stains. Some powdered detergents have color-safe bleaches build into the product.
6. Important Note: Remember that color-safe bleaches do not disinfect.
7. Important Note for Disinfecting: Other products can sanitize and control odors than just chlorine bleach. Follow label directions for proper use in the laundry. For disinfecting, use products that display an EPA Registration Number on the label. This assures that the product has met EPA requirements for disinfectants.

Rust - If there are rust or rust-colored stains on fabrics, use a commercially prepared rust remover to help remove them. Look for these products in the laundry or fabric dye section of the supermarket. They are generally intended to be used on white or colorfast fabrics. Because they can cause color removal, follow package directions and test first on a small, inconspicuous area of the garment before using.

Mildew - If fabrics have been wet for any length of time, mildew might appear. Launder stained items using chlorine bleach, if safe for fabric. Or, soak in oxygen bleach and hot water, then launder. Mildew is difficult to remove, and badly mildewed fabrics may be damaged beyond repair.

CONTINUE TO WASH as many times as needed. The condition of the rinse water is a good indication of whether or not the clothes are clean. If the water is dirty or cloudy, the clothes should be washed again. If rinse water is reasonably clear, clothes should be clean.

DO NOT DRY FABRICS IN A DRYER UNTIL YOU ARE SATISFIED WITH THE RESULTS. The heat from the dryer can set stains, making them impossible to remove.

Tips from the Soap and Detergent Association

The smoke and soot that a fire leaves behind can create damage far beyond that of the original flames. Smoke residue is made up of particles that were not completely vaporized during burning.

1. Not all fires create the same amount or type of residue. Smoldering ones produce more residue than fast-burning fires because they burn longer and at a lower temperature.
2. Most residue is strongly acidic. Acidic residue can tarnish metal surfaces and trims, as well as cause rust on exposed iron surfaces.
3. Smoke residue can settle on the surfaces of walls and furnishings. Clothing and fabric may suffer color changes and certain types of smoke can permanently affect wood furniture finishes. Once the smoke residue is removed, any chemical action from the smoke is halted. However, it is often impossible to assess the extent of the damage until after cleaning.

Smoke removal involves special cleaning procedures. Smoke particles usually remain on or close to the surface. Improper procedures can cause absorption, which can increase the damage.

If damaged items are washable, launder them using a granular laundry detergent and the hottest water suitable for the fabrics. Repeat laundering, perhaps as many as five times, until the soot and/or odor are removed. For stubborn stains, use a bleach safe for the fabrics. As an alternative, soak the items overnight, using a pre-soak laundry product, or soak them for 30 minutes in a solution of water and laundry detergent with bleach.

If damaged items are "dry clean only", check with a dry cleaner. Some cleaners offer an ozone treatment that can remove smoke damage from some fabrics.

For furniture, carpets and wall coverings, it´s important to engage the services of a professional. The Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration (ASCR) may be able to provide you with additional information on carpet, drapery, and fabric restoration.

Travel Light and Travel Right
Tips from the Soap and Detergent Association

One of the last things vacationers want to worry about is the condition of their clothes. And nobody wants to drag around suitcases full of stuff that never gets worn. To help travelers avoid these scenarios, here are some packing tips.

The best travel wardrobe consists of a few garments that can be combined to create multiple looks. This means fewer clothes and fewer shoes, which is especially important because footwear is heavy. Multi-purpose garments, such as an oversized shirt that can serve as a bathrobe and a coverup at the pool, or a simple dress that serves as a backdrop for accessories that can change the look from casual to dressy, will also help lighten the luggage load.

Plastic bags are a boon to a carefree travel wardrobe. Used properly, they can minimize, if not completely eliminate, wrinkled clothes. Garments can be hung on a hanger and covered with a dry cleaner´s bag, then folded and packed.

Once the destination is reached, hang the garments and remove the bags. If there´s no room for hangers in the luggage, hold the garment and bag by the shoulders, allowing the hanger to fall out before packing.

To help shoes keep their shape, stuff them with rolled up socks and stockings. Pack the shoes in plastic bags so the clothes stay clean.

Assemble children´s clothes by outfit. Then pack each outfit, right down to underwear and socks, in its own large self-closing plastic bag. Children will enjoy the on-the-road independence of being able to dress themselves. These same plastic bags, in assorted sizes, can be used to store small, easily misplaced supplies, such as band-aids, aspirin, first aid cream, etc. Be sure to squeeze the air out of the bags before sealing them.

Be prepared for some wardrobe first aid. A small traveler´s sewing kit and a stain remover stick or gel can handle most clothing emergencies. Use it to pretreat stains at the end of each day.

When choosing luggage, keep in mind that two small bags, with evenly distributed weight loads, are easier to handle than one large, heavy one.