How Do I Know What Items to Keep vs Throw Away After a Flood?

Floodwater is dirty water, so the main rule is simple: if an item soaked it up and you cannot fully clean and dry it, it goes. Porous materials like wood, fabric, drywall, and insulation absorb water and the contaminants in it. These are hard to salvage safely, so most should be thrown away.

Non-porous items are different. Glass jars, metal pots, ceramic dishes, and hard plastic containers can usually be saved. Wash them with hot, soapy water, then disinfect with a bleach solution. If an item has cracks, chips, or seams where water can hide, toss it. Your safety matters more than keeping a favorite mug.

• Throw away: mattresses, pillows, upholstered furniture, carpet, padding, and rugs
• Throw away: cardboard boxes, paper goods, books, and photographs that are soaked
• Keep and clean: glass, metal, ceramic, and hard plastic items that are in good shape
• Toss if you cannot take it apart to dry the inside, like a stuffed chair
• When in doubt, throw it out. Floodwater can carry bacteria and chemicals.

Electronics and appliances are tricky. If a device was submerged, water can damage internal circuits and create a fire hazard. Even if it seems to work after drying, hidden corrosion can cause problems later. For safety, do not plug in any electronic that was underwater until a qualified professional inspects it.

Small appliances like toasters and coffee makers should likely be thrown away. Larger appliances, like a refrigerator or washing machine, may be salvageable if a professional cleans and services them. But if the floodwater was heavily contaminated, replacement is often safer and more practical. Your health and home safety come first.

• Toss small electronics and appliances that were fully submerged
• Do not turn on wet electronics. Let them dry, then have an electrician check them
• For large appliances, ask a repair professional if cleaning is possible
• Throw away any appliance with frayed cords or rusted parts
• Keep only items that were not touched by floodwater and are in good condition

Building materials like drywall, insulation, and carpet padding are almost always unsalvageable after a flood. They absorb water and can grow mold within days. You should remove and replace these to protect your home's structure and your health. If you have questions about what to cut out, a water damage inspection can help.

• Remove and replace wet drywall, insulation, and carpet padding
• Toss particleboard or veneer furniture that is swollen or warped
• Solid wood furniture may be saved if you dry it slowly and clean it well
• Upholstered furniture that soaked up floodwater should be thrown away
• If you are unsure about a wall or floor, ask a professional to inspect it