The short answer
Sorting and Initial Assessment
When soft goods get wet from a flood, pipe leak, or other disaster, the first step is to sort them. You separate items by fabric type, color, and how badly they are soiled. Heavily contaminated items, such as those touched by sewage or floodwater, may need a different process than lightly dampened clothing.
The pros also check for items that cannot be saved, like heavily soiled mattresses or pillows that hold too much moisture. They may recommend discarding certain porous items if they cannot be fully cleaned. This sorting helps decide which cleaning method is right and prevents cross-contamination between items.
Dry Removal of Debris
Before any water is added, loose dirt, mud, and debris must be removed. The pros use vacuuming, brushing, or gentle shaking to get rid of as much dry material as possible. This step reduces the load on the washing equipment and prevents dirt from setting into the fabric fibers.
For delicate items, they might use a soft brush or a low-suction vacuum. This is also a good time to spot-check for stains that need pre-treatment. Doing this dry removal carefully helps the later cleaning stages work more effectively.
- Vacuuming with a brush attachment
- Gentle brushing for delicate fabrics
- Shaking out loose debris outdoors
- Using a lint roller for pet hair
- Pre-treating stains with a mild cleaner
- Checking pockets and closures
Washing and Sanitizing
Once debris is gone, the actual washing begins. The pros use commercial-grade washers that can handle large loads and adjust water temperature and agitation for different fabrics. For most items, warm or hot water with a detergent that includes disinfectants helps kill bacteria and mold spores.
For items that cannot be machine washed, such as wool or silk, they might use a gentle hand-washing method or a dry-cleaning process. Antimicrobial treatments are often applied to prevent mold and mildew from returning. The goal is to remove all contaminants and leave the soft goods fresh and safe to use.
Drying and Odor Removal
Drying is just as important as washing. The pros use high-capacity dryers with controlled heat to ensure soft goods dry completely, which prevents mold and mildew from growing. For items that cannot go in a dryer, they use air-drying methods in a clean, ventilated space.
Odor removal is a key part of the process. If musty smells remain, the pros may use ozone or other odor-neutralizing treatments. They also check for any lingering moisture, because even a small damp spot can lead to problems later. Proper drying keeps the cleaned items fresh and extends their life.
Final Inspection and Return
After cleaning and drying, each item is inspected for stains, damage, or lingering odors. The pros may re-treat problem areas or send certain items through the process again. They also check that all buttons, zippers, and trims are intact.
Once everything passes inspection, the soft goods are folded or hung and returned to you. You should store them in a dry place to avoid re-contamination. If you live in Mesa, keeping your cleaned items in airtight containers can help protect them from humidity and pests.
- Checking for remaining stains
- Smell test for musty odors
- Verifying fabric integrity
- Folding or hanging neatly
- Advising on proper storage
- Documenting any items not saved
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Call Now (480) 898-4279Frequently asked questions
Can all soft goods be cleaned after water damage?
Most can, but heavily soiled items like mattresses or pillows may be too damaged to fully clean. The pros assess each item and let you know if it can be saved. Porous items that absorbed sewage or chemicals might not be safe to keep.
How long does it take to clean soft goods?
The time depends on the number of items and the level of contamination. A small load might take a few hours, while a full household could take several days. The pros give you a timeframe after they assess the batch.
Will cleaning remove all odors from my clothes?
In most cases, yes. The pros use special detergents and odor-neutralizing treatments to eliminate musty smells. If odors persist, they may re-treat the items. However, some items may retain odors if they are heavily contaminated or made of very porous materials.