Care of Flood-Damaged Upholstered Furniture
Upholstered furniture that has been submerged in
flood water may be impossible to salvage if it has been
badly soaked. If the piece seems worth the effort,
however you will need to clean and oil the springs,
replace stuffing, and clean the frame.
Stuffing and covering
1. Remove furniture coverings using a ripping tool,
hammer, or tack puller, screwdriver, or chisel.
2. Remove all tacks from the frame.
3. Wash coverings as described for carpets.
4. Throw away all cotton stuffing. You can dry, fumigate
and reuse padding made of materials other than cotton.
Springs and frame
1. Wipe off springs and frame. Dry all metal parts and
paint them with rust inhibiting paint. Oil springs.
2. Store wood frames where they will dry out slowly.
Mildew
Mildew may have developed on damp or wet furniture.
Mildew is a gray-white mold that leaves stains and rots
fabric unless it is removed promptly. To remove mildew or
mildew spots:
1. Brush with a broom to remove loose mold from outer
covering. Do this outdoors if possible, so you won't
scatter mildew spores (which can start new growth) in the
house.
2. Vacuum the surface to draw out mold. Dispose of the
vacuum cleaner bag outside to avoid scattering mold
spores in the house.
3. If mildew remains and fabric is washable, sponge
lightly with thick soap or detergent suds. Wipe with a
clean, damp cloth. Get as little water on the fabric as
possible, so the padding doesn't get wet.
4. If mold remains, wipe the furniture with a damp
cloth dipped in dilute alcohol (1 cup denatured alcohol
to 1 cup water) or a chlorine bleach solution (1/4
teaspoon bleach to a cup of water).
5. Dry the article thoroughly.
6. Use a low-pressure spray containing a fungicide to get
rid of must odors and remaining mildew. Moisten all
surfaces thoroughly. Respray frequently if mildew is a
continuing problem. Spraying rooms with an aerosol
material will not eliminate mildew problems.
7. If molds have grown into inner parts, send furniture
to a dry cleaning or storage company for thorough drying
and fumigation. Fumigation will kill molds present at the
time but will not protect against future attacks.