Can flood-damaged clothes be saved? After a flood, fire, or other disaster, it’s easy to assume your clothing, bedding, and other textiles have to be thrown away. Fortunately, that’s not always the case.
Professional restoration can often save garments and household textiles that appear beyond saving using specialized cleaning techniques that remove contaminants, odors, and residue that household washing simply can’t.
While not every item can be restored, many people are surprised by just how much can be saved. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions we receive about professional clothing restoration.
What Types of Items Can Be Restored?
In addition to everyday clothing, restoration services can often save suits, dresses, uniforms, coats, comforters, blankets, linens, and other household textiles. Even specialty items like wedding gowns, heirloom garments, and other sentimental pieces may be candidates for restoration.
The success of the restoration depends on the type and extent of the damage, but don’t assume an item is beyond saving just because it looks dirty or smells unpleasant. Professional restoration specialists like Kean’s have access to cleaning techniques and equipment that simply aren’t available at home.
If you’re unsure whether an item can be restored, it’s always worth asking before throwing it away.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Flood or Fire?
The most important thing you can do is act quickly.
The longer clothing and other textiles sit after a flood or fire, the greater the chance that stains, odors, mold, or other damage become permanent. Even if items don’t look severely damaged, contaminants can continue affecting the fabric over time.
If possible, avoid attempting to clean heavily damaged items yourself. Home washing machines and household cleaners aren’t designed to remove flood contamination, smoke residue, or other disaster-related damage, and using the wrong cleaning method can sometimes make restoration more difficult.
Instead, gather the affected items and contact a professional clothing restoration company as soon as possible. The sooner the restoration process begins, the better the chances of saving your clothing and other textiles.
Will Insurance Cover Clothing Restoration?
Every insurance policy is different, but many homeowners and business insurance policies include coverage for clothing restoration after a covered loss.
In many cases, professionally restoring damaged clothing is less expensive than replacing an entire wardrobe, making restoration the better option for both policyholders and insurance companies.
What Happens During the Restoration Process?
Every restoration project is unique, but the process typically begins with a thorough inspection of each item. Our team evaluates the type of damage, determines the best cleaning method, and identifies any pieces that may require specialized treatment.
From there, each item goes through a professional cleaning and deodorization process designed to remove contaminants, odors, and residue while protecting the fabric whenever possible. Once cleaning is complete, every piece is carefully inspected before being returned to you.
Our goal is simple: to restore as many of your clothing and household textiles as possible and help you recover from the unexpected with confidence.
Trust Kean’s With Your Clothing Restoration
Recovering from a flood, fire, or other disaster can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
If your clothing or household textiles have been damaged, contact Kean’s as soon as possible. Our experienced restoration team proudly serves the Greater Baton Rouge area and will work tirelessly to restore your items while helping make the process as simple and stress-free as possible.
The sooner restoration begins, the better the chances of saving the garments and memories that matter most.
