IF YOUR carpets, rugs, drapes, cushions, clothing and shoes sustained water damage during the passage of Hurricane Ivan, act quickly to prevent long-lasting effects.

The Gleaner spoke with Audrey Hinchcliffe, managing director of Manpower and Maintenance Services Limited, who said the first order of business is to open all windows so that fresh air can circulate throughout the homes, thus eliminating dampness and water.

"All small rugs and washable curtains can be put out to dry or hand washed but the larger and heavier ones should be professionally cleaned to get rid of bacteria that was in the water that soaked them in the first place," Mrs. Hinchcliffe said.

She provided the following helpful hints:

For washable material, put something in the water to retard the growth of bacteria

Read instructions on the labels of bottles and detergent boxes to safeguard against damaging clothes and soft furnishings. Check if materials are colour-fast before using bleach.

If closets are damp, put clothing to air out immediately.

Take leather shoes out of their boxes and let them air for a few hours, clean and polish immediately. Failure to do this will result in heels falling off at unexpected moments.

The presence of mildew means that the area is damp but products are available on the market to get rid of this.

Mrs. Hinchcliffe said this is a good opportunity to rid the closets of unwanted items and do some late 'spring cleaning'.

­ B.E.

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