Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500018
06/24/03

Sanitizing Flooded Laundry Equipment


Washers and dryers should be sanitized if they have
been immersed in flood water. After appliances have been
reconditioned, sanitize them as follows:

Washer:

1. Pour a disinfectant (ammonia, chlorine, pine oil or
phenolic) into the empty washing machine. Then complete a
15 minute cycle at the hot water setting.

Dryer:

1. Unplug the dryer and wipe the drum with a cloth dipped
in disinfectant solution. Be sure to wipe all areas of the
drum and dryer door.

2. Rinse with a cloth dipped in clear water.

3. Leave the dryer door open until all parts are
thoroughly dry--preferably overnight.

4. When the drum is dry, plug in the dryer and resume
normal service.

In addition to disinfecting washer and dryer, be
sure to sanitize clothes baskets, work surfaces, and
containers where clean, sanitary clothes will be placed.
Keep clean, sanitized clothes separate from those not yet
clean, and away from surfaces likely to be contaminated.

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus, with reference from the USDA
Disaster Handbook.

Go To Top of File        Michigan State University Extension Home Page        Main Page for this Data Base
This information is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This information becomes public property upon publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise a commercial product or company. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08. Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03. For more information about this data base or its contents please contact strausc@msu.edu .