Title:Electrical Systems and Appliances:  Reconditioning and Sanitizing
Author:Virginia Peart
Date: 1992


Electrical Systems and Appliances:  Reconditioning and Sanitizing
Virginia Peart

RECONDITIONING FLOODED ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES

     Do not try to use washers, refrigerators or other large
electrical appliances until they are checked by a serviceman.
Attempting to run equipment before it is properly cleaned could
seriously damage it.  Each manufacturer's authorized dealer has
detailed information for the inspection and repair of its
specific equipment and should be called for repairs if possible.


                        Lamps and Lights

 1.  Be sure electricity is disconnected.

 2.  Remove fixtures that were submerged.  Clean outlet boxes and
     wiring.

 3.  Clean fixtures and dry the wiring.

 4.  Clean dirt from sockets.

 5.  Completely disassemble and clean floor and table lamps.
     Clean wiring, sockets and switches.

 6.  If a switch cannot be opened for cleaning, replace it.

 7.  Replace all damaged cords and plugs.


                        Electrical Cords

 1.  Throw away any damaged or fabric-covered cords.

 2.  Rubber-covered cords in good condition (with no cracks in
     the rubber) can probably be reconditioned as follows:

      a.  Remove connections from both ends.

      b.  Peel back rubber covering until inside braid is dry.

      c.  Cut off damaged part of cord.

      d.  Clean up plug and receptacle; connect to cord or
          replace.

SANITIZING LAUNDRY EQUIPMENT

     Washers and dryers should be sanitized if they have been
immersed in flood water.

     After appliances have been cleaned and reconditioned,
sanitize them as follows:

 1.  Pour a disinfectant (quaternary, chlorine, pine oil or
     phenolic) into the empty washing machine.  Then operate a
     15-minute cycle at the "hot" water setting.

 2.  Unplug the dryer and wipe or spray the drum with a
     disinfectant solution.  Be sure to wipe all areas of the
     drum and dryer door.

 3.  Rinse with a cloth dipped in clear water.

 4.  Leave the dryer door open until all parts are thoroughly dry
     -- preferably overnight.

 5.  When the drum is dry, plug in the dryer and resume normal
     service.

     In addition to disinfecting the washer and dryer, be sure to
sanitize clothes baskets, work surfaces and containers where
clean, sanitary clothes will be placed.

     Keep clean, sanitized clothes separate from those not yet
clean and away from surfaces likely to be contaminated.

SANITIZING REFRIGERATORS AND FREEZERS

     If water seeps into an older model refrigerator or freezer,
it will probably lose its insulation and have to be discarded.
Appliances with ruined insulation will either run continuously,
frost up on the outside or develop bad odors.

     Newer models with foam insulation will probably be all
right.  Have the refrigerator or freezer checked by your local
serviceman to be certain the motor and freezing unit are in safe
working order.  Then clean and sanitize as follows:

 1.  Dispose of any spoiled or questionable food.

 2.  Remove shelves, crispers and ice trays.  Wash them
     thoroughly with hot water and detergent.

 3.  Rinse with a disinfectant solution (1 teaspoon chlorine
     bleach for each gallon of water).

 4.  Wash the interior of the refrigerator, including the door
     and door gasket, with hot water and baking soda.

 5.  Rinse with a disinfectant solution.

 6.  Leave the door open for about 15 minutes to allow free air
     circulation.

 7.  If odor remains, place several pieces of activated charcoal
     in an open container, or use a commercial refrigerator
     deodorizer.

 8.  Wash the outside of the refrigerator with a mild detergent
     and hot water.

     If stains are difficult to remove or soil particles remain
use a mild cleanser or spray cleaner.  Be careful not to damage
the finish.