Carpets and Rugs

Wall-to-Wall Carpet

A wet/dry vacuum or a water extractor carpet cleaning machine is excellent for cleaning wet wall-to-wall carpet. They may be rented at supermarkets or at equipment rental outlets.  After removing the standing water and dirt, add carpet cleaning detergent and clean the carpet as instructed on the machine. Rinse by using vinegar and water in the tank of the machine.

Rugs

Allow wet rugs to dry out thoroughly by laying them flat and exposing them to a circulation of warm, dry air.  A fan turned on the rugs will speed the drying. Clean by sweeping or vacuuming, then shampoo with a commercial rug shampoo. Make sure they are thoroughly dried again.  Any moisture remaining at the base of the tufts will rot the rug, causing it to fall apart.  Contact any carpet cleaning firm listed in the yellow pages of your telephone directory for professional assistance.

Refrigerator(s) and Freezer(s)

Sometimes odors are difficult to eliminate if the insulation is damp and it absorbs the odors.  However, you may try the following:

1. Defrost and wash all surfaces with water and dishwashing detergent.  Then rinse with two tablespoons of baking soda per quart of water and rinse with clear water.

Or

2. Wash with a solution of one cup of vinegar to one gallon of water.

Or

3. Wash with a solution of one cup household ammonia to one gallon of water.

After washing the appliance, let it air dry.

Caution - When discarding any refrigerator or freezer, BE SURE THE DOORS ARE REMOVED OR SECURED TO PREVENT FROM CLOSING ON A YOUNG CHILD!

Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials which have been damaged by heat, smoke, or otherwise contaminated should be thrown away.  Be sure to dispose of them properly and wear rubber gloves while handling them.  For commercial properties or large amounts, contact the Department of Health, Solid and Hazardous Waste Section at 808-543-4226 for further instructions.

Home Cleaning Products

Bleach, cleaning fluid, and laundry soap should never be mixed with ammonia or any other cleaning products such as chlorine-bleach, Lysol, Tri-sodium Phosphate, and Spic and Span.  Mixing these products may create a dangerous chemical reaction.  To dispose of home cleaning products safely, dilute them individually with cold water and wash them down the drain with plenty of cold running water.

Fertilizers

Fertilizers can be spread on lawns and gardens and watered into the soil in the usual manner.

CAUTION - DO NOT crush or pound lumps of ammonium nitrate to reduce them to usable size.  These lumps are best diluted in water and used as a liquid, but dilute them well so they will not burn your plants.

Hazardous Chemicals

Many products found around the home contain hazardous chemicals.  Pesticides, herbicides, soil sterilants, chlorine-based swimming pool disinfectants, poisons, solvents, oil-based paints, flammable liquids, industrial chemicals, and commercial quantities of any chemical are all common examples.  Read the labels carefully for proper disposal of specific products.

Charcoal

CAUTION - Charcoal briquettes may spontaneously ignite when damp.  They should be disposed of or stored in a noncombustible container with a lid away from other combustibles.