Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance and Repair - 01500015
12/04/98 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. The
manufacturer's authorized dealer has detailed information
for inspection and repair of his particular equipment,
and should be called for repair if possible.
Follow these general procedures if you must do your
own repairs:
Motorized appliances (refrigerators, freezers,
washers, dryers)
1. Remove the electric motor, if possible, and take it to
an electrical repair shop. If the motor can't be removed,
follow instructions to recondition it.
2. Remove dirt from insulation and dry insulation
thoroughly. Insulation may have been ruined from wetting.
It may develop bad odors, or lose its insulating ability
depending on exposure time in water. If so, the appliance
will probably have to be discarded. Some newer sealed
units may be unharmed by water.
3. Clean up outside of unit, and recondition the controls.
Replace all bad wiring.
4. Clean gear housings and shafts in washing machines
with kerosene. Clean bearings. Wipe metal surfaces with a
kerosene-soaked rag to remove rust and dirt. Coat metal
surfaces thinly with oil.
Heating appliances
1. Disconnect electricity and flush appliance with clean
water.
2. Aerosol cleaning products (like Quik-Kleen) are
available for cleaning hard to reach places in motors.
Spray on parts and wipe or flush off. Do not use on
contacts.
3. The insulation on hot water heaters may be soaked.
Remove all panels, and if possible, the top of the
heater. The insulation may never dry satisfactorily.
4. Clean and dry thermostat and wiring. Apply rust
inhibitor to all metal parts.
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.
Grounding
All metallic appliances should be grounded when in
use to prevent electric shock. This is especially
important with washers, dryers, ranges, waffle irons,
dishwashers, portable drills, saws and grinders. Attach a
wire from the frame of the appliance to a water pipe or
to the ground wire in a grounded wiring system.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus, with reference from the USDA
Disaster Handbook.
This information is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This information becomes public property upon publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise a commercial product or company. This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/27/01. Data base 02 was last revised on 12/04/98. For more information about this data base or its contents please contact cook@msue.msu.edu . Please read our disclaimer for important information about using our site.
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