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.