Source
EPA infographic: what to keep: What Can I Keep After a Flood?
About this source
Which flood-soaked materials can be cleaned and kept, and which should go.
A U.S. government work, in the public domain.
Official source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ↗
Reading notes
A2Z's reading notes on this document, in its order. They are not the document's own wording; check figures against the original before relying on them.
Overview
After flooding, many items in your home will be contaminated by floodwater. This guide helps you decide what to keep and clean, what may be salvageable with careful cleaning, and what must be discarded for health and safety reasons.
Keep and Clean
The following items can typically be cleaned and kept after flood exposure:
| Item | Cleaning Approach |
|---|---|
| Metal furniture | Clean with soap and water; disinfect; dry thoroughly |
| China and ceramics | Wash with hot soapy water; disinfect if used for food |
| Silverware and utensils | Wash with hot soapy water; disinfect food-contact surfaces |
| Plastic furniture | Clean with soap and water; disinfect; dry completely |
| Jewelry | Clean with appropriate jewelry cleaner; inspect for damage |
| Glass items | Wash with hot soapy water; inspect for cracks |
Maybe — Depends on Extent of Damage
These items may be salvageable but require evaluation and careful cleaning:
| Item | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Photos and books | Can sometimes be cleaned if dried quickly; may need professional restoration |
| Bedding and blankets | Machine wash with hot water and detergent if not heavily contaminated; discard if soaked with sewage |
| Rugs and area rugs | Steam clean or professionally clean if not saturated; discard if saturated with sewage water |
| Solid wood furniture | May be salvageable if dried quickly; watch for warping and mold growth |
| Clothing | Machine wash with hot water and detergent; may need multiple wash cycles |
| Appliances and electronics | Have inspected and cleaned by a professional before use; electrical safety is critical |
Remove and Discard
The following items should be discarded — they cannot be adequately cleaned after flood contamination:
| Item | Reason |
|---|---|
| Mattresses | Porous material absorbs contaminants; cannot be adequately disinfected |
| Leather furniture | Absorbs contaminated water; cannot be adequately cleaned |
| Medicine and cosmetics | May be contaminated even if packaging appears intact; never use flood-contaminated medications |
| Cloth-upholstered furniture | Porous filling materials harbor mold and bacteria; cannot be adequately cleaned |
| Cushions and pillows | Same as upholstered furniture — porous, cannot be adequately cleaned |
| Wood veneer furniture | Veneer separates when wet; structural integrity compromised |
General Decision Rules
Discard if:
- The item is porous and was saturated with floodwater (especially if sewage-contaminated)
- The item cannot be dried completely within 24–48 hours
- The item shows visible mold growth that cannot be cleaned off
- The item is used for food preparation or consumption and cannot be adequately disinfected
Consider keeping if:
- The item is non-porous (metal, glass, ceramic, plastic)
- The item can be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected
- The item can be completely dried
Safety Note
When in doubt, throw it out. The health risks from contaminated items are not worth the replacement cost of most household goods.
More Information
EPA Flood Cleanup Resources: www.epa.gov/flooded-homes
FEMA Flood Cleanup: www.fema.gov