Salvage these water-damaged items

  • Concrete, cinder blocks, and plaster walls: Wash first with soap and clean water, then disinfect quickly with a bleach solution. (1 cup to 5 gallons water to clean and sanitize; 1 cup to 1 gallon water to remove mold.) Allow to air dry.
  • Linoleum and hardwood floors: These are salvageable if you can dry them quickly. Run high-powered fans.
  • Subflooring: Dry thoroughly to prevent warping. Remove floor covering and use fans to circulate air and mitigate water damage.
  • Drapes, linens, and clothes: Items that can’t be washed or dry-cleaned, such as mattresses and upholstered furniture, should be air-dried in the sun and sprayed thoroughly with a disinfectant.