Salvaging Water Damaged Textiles

Cleaning up after a flood is not easy and properly salvaging valuable personal property requires expert advice. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is working with experts from the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC) and the National Institute for Conservation of Cultural Property (NIC) to provide flood victims with the best restoration information available.

After the flood waters recede and officials declare it safe to return to your home, you can take action to salvage and minimize damage to valuable textiles, such as clothes, quilts, costumes, laces, needlework or tapestries. Because textiles vary in nat ure, they may respond differently to moisture. Most will be weaker and heavier when wet and will require extra care when handling. Here are a few tips from the AIC Textile Speciality Group:

Careful Handling

Beware of serious health hazards associated with mud and mold. Wear plastic disposable gloves, protective clothing, goggles and if possible use a respirator.
If your textiles have been insured, photograph the items before you take steps to salvage them, and document the efforts.
If you must move wet textiles, use a solid support or stretch canvas to carry them.
Do not attempt to unfold extremely delicate fabrics if the fragile layers are stuck together. Wait until they are dry and consult a conservator.

Cleaning

To remove mud and debris, re-wet the textiles with gently flowing clean water or with a fine hose spray.

Drying

Gently press water out with the palm of your hand. Do not wring or twist dry.
Remove excess water with dry towels, blotting paper or blank newsprint. This is especially important if the dyes are bleeding.
Avoid stacking textiles during the drying process.
Reshape the textile while it is still damp to approximate its original contours.

Ventilation

Do not place textiles in sealed plastic bags.
Air dry indoors with lights to inhibit mold growth.
Circulate the air with air conditioning, fans or open windows to inhibit mold growth.
Use a dehumidifier in the room with the wet textiles. Drain the collecting container often.

Professional Help

You may need a textile conservator to assess the damage and recommend appropriate treatment. Call the American Institute for Conservation at (202) 452-9545 for more information on how to find a conservator in your area.