The short answer
Sorting Food After Water Damage
Start by separating food into three groups: food that touched water, food in sealed containers, and food that stayed dry. Anything that came into direct contact with floodwater or sewage is unsafe. This includes raw produce, opened packages, and even unopened bottles with caps that may have been submerged.
For food in cans and jars, check for dents, rust, or leaks. If the seal is intact and the container shows no damage, you can clean it with a bleach solution and use it. But if the water was from a flood or contained chemicals, discard everything that touched it, no exceptions.
Handling Refrigerated and Frozen Food
Power outages often follow water damage. Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. An unopened refrigerator keeps food safe for about four hours, while a full freezer holds its temperature for about 48 hours. If the power is out longer, move food to a cooler with ice.
After the power returns, check the temperature. If it stayed below 40F, the food is safe. If not, throw out perishable items like meat, dairy, and leftovers. Dry ice can help keep things cold, but handle it with gloves and never touch it directly.
- Discard any food with an unusual odor, color, or texture
- Throw out cardboard boxes and paper packaging that got wet
- Clean and sanitize your refrigerator and freezer after emptying
- When unsure, toss it out rather than risk illness
- Keep a thermometer in your fridge to check temperatures
Cleaning Kitchen Surfaces and Utensils
After removing unsafe food, clean every surface that touched floodwater or leaked water. Wash counters, shelves, and drawers with hot, soapy water. Then sanitize with a solution of one tablespoon of unscented bleach per gallon of water. Rinse and air dry.
For utensils, pots, and dishes, wash them in hot, soapy water and then sanitize them in the bleach solution. If they have any food residue, remove it first. Porous items like wooden cutting boards and plastic baby bottles should be thrown out if they were submerged, as they can trap bacteria.
Knowing When to Call the Pros
Food handling is only one part of recovering from water damage. If water affected your pantry, cabinets, or kitchen walls, you may need help with cleanup and repairs. The pros can assess what's salvageable and what needs to be removed, especially if mold starts growing.
If you live in a humid area, mold can start growing quickly. Local water damage pros can dry out your kitchen and prevent further damage. They handle the structural work, so you can focus on replacing the food that was lost.
- Check for mold on walls and shelves in your pantry
- Remove wet drywall and insulation that may harbor mold
- Dry out cabinets and drawers with fans and dehumidifiers
- Replace any food storage containers that were submerged
Preventing Future Food Contamination
Once the immediate mess is cleaned up, think about how to protect your food next time. Store dry goods in sealed plastic or glass containers, not cardboard. Keep your pantry shelves off the floor, and consider a dehumidifier if your home is prone to dampness.
Check your roof and plumbing regularly for leaks. If a leak happens, move food to a safe, dry area right away. A little prevention goes a long way, and you will avoid the hassle of throwing out an entire pantry again.
Talk to someone now
Water keeps spreading into floors and walls, so it is worth acting early. Calls are answered 24/7.
Call Now (817) 799-6732Frequently asked questions
Can I save food that was in a sealed package?
Only if the package is completely intact and shows no signs of water entry. Check for leaks, tears, or punctures. If the package was submerged in floodwater, throw it out, because floodwater can seep through microscopic openings.
Is it safe to eat food from a flooded garden?
No. Any produce that touched floodwater is unsafe, even if you wash it. Floodwater can carry bacteria and chemicals that soak into the plant. Discard all raw vegetables and fruits that were in contact with water.
How should I clean my refrigerator after a flood?
Empty it and throw away all perishable food. Wash the interior with hot, soapy water, then sanitize with a bleach solution. Rinse and dry it completely before turning it back on. Check the door seals for mold and clean them thoroughly.