Contamination and Clean-up

The clean-up

When disposing of flood affected waste please remember to practice good cleaning habits. 

• Cover any cuts or wounds before you start cleaning up to help protect yourself from bugs.
• Remember to wash and dry your hands regularly during the clean-up process.
• If possible, wear cleaning gloves, sturdy shoes and protective clothing.

Ventilating your property

If you are drying your property naturally, keep doors and windows open as much as possible. If using dehumidifiers, close external doors and windows.

Hard surfaces (floors, walls, tables and benches)

Scrub first with clean water and dishwashing liquid to remove all visible dirt. Then wipe down with a household disinfectant, for example 1 litre of bleach to 10 litres of water.

Mould 

If you are noticing any signs of mould growth, it is important to take action. For more information on how to prevent mould growth and  how to clean up mould, visit - Mould in damp buildings

Soft furnishings/clothing/ blankets and curtains

Take out everything that is wet and that can be moved – floor coverings, furniture, bedding, clothing, etc. Thoroughly wash and disinfect all items and dry in the sunshine. Get rid of items that cannot be cleaned and disinfected. Large items, such as mattresses that have been soaked in flood waters, should be discarded. Remember: You could also contact local dry cleaners and carpet cleaners to assist.

Kitchen utensils

Wash cooking, eating, and any other kitchen utensils in clean hot soapy water. Rinse thoroughly then disinfect by immersing for 1 minute in a solution of 500 ml (about 2 cups) of plain, unperfumed household bleach in 10 litres of water. Rinse again in safe water.  Alternatively, boil all utensils for 1 minute and let cool

For more information visit  - Returning home after a flood 

Disposing of flood-affected waste

Your flood-affected household items can be disposed of at the Redclyffe Transfer Station in Napier, or Black Bridge Transfer Station in Hastings. 

If you are unable to take your waste to the transfer station yourself there are a few options available: