Restoring Hope: Laundry Care After a Flooded Home

When your home floods, the damage can feel overwhelming. Amidst the chaos, laundry might seem like a small concern—but caring for waterlogged clothes plays a vital role in restoring normalcy. This guide walks you through practical tips to salvage garments and linens while offering hope in the recovery journey. And if the process feels too much to handle, Coco Laundry offers specialized wash and fold services to assist families recovering from home floods in Long Beach and surrounding areas.

Understanding the Damage

Floodwater can carry harmful bacteria, chemicals, and debris. Clothes soaked in contaminated water aren’t just dirty—they can pose health risks. Mold and mildew begin growing within hours, especially in humid conditions. The longer clothes sit untreated, the harder they are to salvage.

Flood type matters. Clean rainwater is less harmful than sewage-backed or chemical-laden floodwater. Regardless of the source, always assume contamination and handle items with care.

On an emotional level, damaged laundry can hit hard. Clothing often carries personal memories—baby blankets, heirloom quilts, or a favorite shirt. Restoring these items brings more than cleanliness—it brings comfort.

Safety First

Before doing anything, ensure the flooded area is safe. Turn off electricity in affected zones and wear protective gear: gloves, boots, and masks. Open windows or use fans and a dehumidifier to dry out the space and minimize mold growth.

Only use cleaning products intended for flood damage. Avoid mixing chemicals or using harsh bleaches unless absolutely necessary—some reactions can be toxic.

Assess Before You Wash

Start by examining each garment. Look for signs of mold, odor, or discoloration. Separate items by fabric type and level of contamination. Delicate fabrics like wool and silk may need gentle handling or professional cleaning.

Also inspect your washer and dryer. If these appliances were submerged or splashed by floodwater, don’t use them until checked by a technician. Using damaged machines could worsen contamination—or cause electrical hazards.

Essential Tools & Supplies

You’ll need:

• Gloves and masks

• Heavy-duty laundry detergent

• Oxygen-based bleach (like OxiClean)

• Enzyme-based stain remover

• White vinegar and baking soda (for odor removal)

• Stiff brushes, buckets, and drying racks

• Fans or a dehumidifier

A wet/dry vacuum is helpful for extracting moisture from carpets, laundry piles, or upholstery.

Step-by-Step Washing Guide

1. Pre-treat stains and heavily soiled areas.

2. Sort items by color and contamination level.

3. Wash in hot water (if fabric allows) with detergent and oxygen-based bleach.

4. Rinse well. Add vinegar to the rinse cycle for mold odor removal.

5. Repeat cycles for heavily affected items.

6. Dry immediately. Use a dryer or hang items in a sunny, ventilated space.

Make sure everything is completely dry before storing. Any residual moisture can cause mildew to return.

Fighting Mold and Mildew

Isolate any items showing signs of mold. Scrub away visible spores and soak clothes in a mixture of water and oxygen-based bleach for an hour before washing. Add vinegar during the rinse to kill odors.

To prevent future mold:

• Keep the laundry area dry and well-ventilated

• Clean washer seals and detergent trays regularly

• Never leave wet clothes sitting in machines

Appliance Recovery Tips

Unplug machines and inspect for rust, water residue, or smells. Clean exteriors with disinfectant and run an empty cycle with vinegar. If there was deep water exposure, have a professional inspect your appliances before use. It’s not worth the risk.

When to Call Professionals

Restoring flood-damaged laundry is time-consuming and can be emotionally taxing. If you’re overwhelmed or handling valuable or delicate items, professional laundry restoration can be a lifesaver.

At Coco Laundry, we specialize in helping households recover after disasters. Our wash and fold restoration service is designed to handle large volumes of contaminated laundry with care and expertise. We use commercial-grade disinfectants, hot water sanitation, and special handling to return your clothes clean, fresh, and safe.

We know it’s not just about clothes—it’s about feeling like yourself again. Let us help you get there faster.

Preventing Future Water Damage

Stay proactive:

• Fix leaks promptly

• Install water alarms in laundry rooms or basements

• Keep appliances elevated

• Regularly inspect hoses and fittings

Consider updating your insurance coverage to include flood protection and waterproofing areas prone to leaks.

Moving Forward with Clean Laundry and Peace of Mind

Recovering from a flood takes time. While laundry may seem small, each clean, folded load represents progress and healing. With the right approach—or with help from a trusted partner like Coco Laundry—you can restore comfort, hygiene, and hope.

If you or a loved one in Long Beach, Seal Beach, Signal Hill, Belmont Shore or nearby areas are recovering from a flood, reach out. Coco Laundry is here to help, one load at a time.