Deanna M. Munson & Artyce Hedrick, How to save upholstered furniture, carpet, bedding, Kansas State University, August 1993

Artyce, Hedrick

Munson, Deanna M.

K-State Research Exchange

Kansas State University • Cooperative Extension Service • Manhattan, KansasArticles that have been heavily contami-nated with toxic chemicals such as concen-trated pesticides or embedded fiberglass orasbestos should be thrown away. Many prod-ucts labeled “dryclean only” and severelydamaged textiles are already ruined. Due tosewage, pesticide and other unknown toxicmaterials in flood waters many clothing andinterior textile (carpet, upholstered furniture,drapery) products should be thrown away.Some household textiles can be saved. It’simportant to use a disinfectant to destroyharmful bacteria that can remain alive onfabrics for a long time.Upholstered furnitureRemove padding. Plan to reupholster.Throw away all cotton stuffing and any otherstuffing that is badly damaged, contaminatedwith sewage or other chemicals, or generallyimpossible to dry, clean or sanitize. Dry thor-oughly using a fan and indirect heat. On somedays the out-of-doors may be a good place fordrying. To protect exposed wood dry in the suna short time only.Carpet and RugsThrow away carpet and pad that is heavilycontaminated with flood water and residue.You may be able to save carpet soaked withcleaner groundwater.Most wall-to-wall carpet that can be savedis best cleaned by a professional rug cleaner orrestorer. If you try to save carpet yourself, youwill have best results with rugs and carpetthat can be removed and by discarding the pad(it holds large quantities of flood water andresidue). If possible dry small rugs out-of-doorsin sunlight. Carpets that are glued to the floorwithout pad can be cleaned in place. Use shopwater vacuums as well as dry blankets andtowels to blot up excess moisture.Apply rug shampoo with a carpetshampooer according to manufacturer’s direc-tions. Be sure to remove all detergent used incleaning. Anytime detergent is left in theproduct, you will have real problems withaccelerated soiling and you need to be verycareful to thoroughly remove any suds ordetergent that you have added to the product.Sanitize by sponging a weak chlorinesolution (1/4 teaspoon chlorine bleach to 1 cupof water) or other sanitizing product appliedaccording to label directions and rinsing sev-eral times with clear water sponged ontocarpet. Do not replace carpet or rug until allsubfloors are dry.After shampooing, dry rugs or carpetsquickly. Hang rugs on line if possible, or laythem out flat in a warm dry place. Electric fanswill speed up drying. Carpets and rugs shouldbe thoroughly dried.BeddingMattresses. It probably is best to throw outthese products. A good innerspring mattresscould be sent to a commercial renovatingcompany, however, many communities will nothave such a facility. If you do find such aservice, check the cost and expected outcome.Odor may remain and it may be less expensiveto replace the mattress.Pillows. Many pillows are relatively lowcost. Best advice is to throw them away as theyare very difficult to sanitize. You may want totry saving feather or down pillows. Contactyour County Extension Agent for additionalinformation.Sheets, Pillowcases, Towels and OtherLinens. Use the “Directions for Cleaning How to Save UpholsteredFurniture, Carpet, BeddingOutdated Publication, for historical use. CAUTION: Recommendations in this publication may be obsolete.Flood-soiled Fabrics.” Refer to care label todetermine if chlorine bleach can be used andthe hottest water temperature that is safe.Blankets, Quilts, Comforters. Use thedirections in “How Do You Clean and DisinfectTextiles”. Refer to the care label to determine ifchlorine bleach can be used and the hottestwater temperature that is safe. Wash only oneblanket, quilt or comforter at a time. Somecomforters will require an extra large commer-cial washer for best results. Following finalwashing procedure, heavy items should berinsed at least three times in clear, warmwater. Spin off water or gently squeeze out asmuch water as possible. When satisfied withresults, you may dry in an automatic dryer atmoderate heat setting, or dry in a warm roomwith a fan, or across two or three clotheslines.Put several bath towels in dryer with blanket,quilt, or comforter to speed up drying.Deanna Munson, Extension Specialist, TextilesArtyce Hedrick, Extension Specialist, ClothingCooperative Extension ServiceKansas State UniversityManhattan, KansasMF-1133              August 1993Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, asamended. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, and United States Departmentof Agriculture Cooperating, Richard D. Wootton, Associate Director. All educational programsand materials available without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex,age, or disability.8-93-5MOutdated Publication, for historical use. CAUTION: Recommendations in this publication may be obsolete.

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