Hurricane Sandy Recovery: Homeowner Tips for Dealding with Damaged Clothing and Fabric Items

Nov. 9, 2012 - PRLog -- As the focus of homeowners affected by Hurricane Sandy turns from structural repair to damaged contents within their home, CRDN, The Textile Experts, offers the following tips for dealing with water-damaged clothing and other fabric items.

·         Sort any wet fabrics into whites and colors, then sort by washable and dryclean-only instructions. The longer wet items are intermingled, the greater the chance of permanent dye transfer.

·         If possible, use clean, cold tap water to rinse wet clothing covered in mud or other debris. If the fabric is only partially wet, rinse only the affected area.

·         Avoid keeping wet fabrics in piles or in plastic bags, which will promote the growth of mold. Instead, hang them (outside where possible) to begin the air drying process or spread them out onto a clean surface. (Drying surfaces should be cleaned with an anti-bacterial substance after they’ve been exposed to the wet clothing to prevent the spread of bacteria.)

·         Dry washable fabrics in the sun if this is a viable option. Doing so can help prevent the spread of mildew.

·         Do not attempt to use heat or sun to dry dryclean-only fabrics. Allow them to dry naturally, indoors.

Taking these steps can greatly reduce the chance of permanent damage to fabrics in situations where professional textile restoration cannot be implemented immediately.

Textile restoration experts from CRDN (Certified Restoration Drycleaning Network) are actively involved in recovery efforts along the East Coast, helping homeowners and commercial businesses by restoring damaged garments and other fabric items—ranging from window treatments and bedding to shoes, purses, belts and stuffed animals—to their pre-loss condition.

Textile restoration is the process of disinfecting and cleaning fabric items damaged by water, mold, mildew, smoke and soot.  Insurance companies and mitigation contractors typically dispatch a textile restorer to a home or business to service damaged fabrics following a disaster or accident.

The technology utilized in textile restoration facilities includes a higher level of specialization and sophistication than most drycleaning operations. Ozone treatments, contaminant-specific detergents and solvents, and customized machines that agitate at higher rates of speed all contribute to an increased restoration success rate.

To locate a professional textile restorer, individuals should contact their insurance company or mitigation contractor. With 30 facilities in and around the affected area, CRDN can be reached 24/7 at its national call center, 1-800-963-CRDN (2736) or via the web at www.crdn.com.

Certified Restoration Drycleaning Network (CRDN), headquartered in Berkley, Michigan, is an international organization of experienced, highly trained textile experts who specialize in insurance restoration laundry and drycleaning services for all types of loss. They are adept at restoring personal garments and household fabrics damaged by fire, smoke, water or exposure to mold and other contaminants. CRDN currently operates in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. The organization’s website is www.crdn.com, and claims assignment can be made across the United States by calling 1-800-963-CRDN (2736).