What to Keep and What to Toss After Flooding: A Water Damage Recovery Guide

Floodwater in your home creates urgent decisions. What's salvageable? What's a health hazard? The general rule: if you can't wash, disinfect, and dry it within 24–48 hours, discard it. But the water category changes everything.

First: Identify the Water Category

• Category 1 (Clean): Supply line, rain, tub overflow—minimal risk if addressed fast
• Category 2 (Gray): Dishwasher, washing machine, toilet overflow (urine only)—significant contamination
• Category 3 (Black): Sewage, seawater, rising groundwater, Category 2 left >48 hrs—grossly unsanitary, pathogenic

Category 2 or 3? Call a certified restoration pro immediately. DIY cleanup risks serious illness.

Furnishings and Belongings

Item	Guidance
Upholstered furniture	Discard if soaked >24 hrs (Cat 1) or any Cat 2/3 contact. Padding traps contamination.
Solid wood furniture	Salvageable if dried thoroughly in 24–48 hrs, no mold. Clean, disinfect, refinish.
Laminate/particle board	Discard. Swells, delaminates, harbors mold. Not worth saving.
Appliances/electronics	Inspect by licensed electrician. Water in components = fire/shock hazard.
Books/papers	Freeze immediately to stop mold, then professional freeze-drying. Photos: rinse, air-dry face up.
Clothing/linens	Wash hot + detergent + bleach (if fabric-safe) for Cat 1. Discard Cat 2/3.
Toys/play equipment	Discard if waterlogged or uncleanable. Hard plastics: disinfect thoroughly.
Drapes	Professional cleaning often saves them. Depends on fabric and water category.

Food and Kitchen

• Discard ALL food, medicine, garden produce contacting floodwater
• Exception: Commercially canned goods (intact, no bulging/rust) – remove labels, wash, sanitize in bleach solution, relabel
• Perishables: Discard if power off >2 hrs (40°F+)
• Dishes/utensils: Wash, rinse, sanitize (bleach solution or 170°F+ dishwasher)
• Wood cutting boards, plastic utensils, baby nipples/pacifiers: Discard—cannot be safely sanitized

Structural Elements

Drywall, insulation, carpet/pad, and subflooring wet >48 hrs typically require removal. Hardwood floors may be saved with professional drying. Always test for mold before closing cavities.

Document Everything

Photograph/video all damage for insurance. Keep receipts for disposal, cleaning, and professional services.

When in doubt, throw it out. No possession is worth your family's health.