Dealing with the aftermath of a hurricane or flood can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to saving your fabric stash and quilting supplies.
Whether it’s your cherished fabric collection or your notions, water damage doesn’t have to mean the end of the road for them.
I haven’t been hit by a hurricane, however a few months ago there was a leak in the pipe in the ceiling in my brand new sewing room. sigh. It was not what I was hoping for and while it did a bit of damage, it wasn’t quite as much as many are facing at this point.
I ran into damage on the furniture and a few piles of fabric and notions – but fans helped take care of it as well as a dehumidifier.
Let’s walk through the steps to clean and care for your materials, and I’ll share tips on when to toss, when to salvage, and how to prep for future storms.

Key Takeaways
- Sort and clean your fabric based on the type of water damage it sustained.
- Disinfect fabric with vinegar or a fabric-safe disinfectant.
- Inspect notions and decide to toss or keep based on their condition.
- Use waterproof storage solutions to protect your supplies.
- Elevate items and keep backups to prevent future losses.

Cleaning Fabric After Water Damage
First things first, fabric is porous, which means it’s likely absorbed whatever water it was exposed to. This could be rainwater, but in many cases, it could also be floodwater, which can carry all sorts of contaminants.
Here’s what I do when trying to save my fabric:
- Sort It Out:
Separate fabrics based on the extent of the damage. If fabric was exposed to clean water (like rain), you’ve got a better shot at saving it. For floodwater, consider contamination levels, since fabrics exposed to raw sewage or chemical contaminants might be unsalvageable. - Wash and Rinse Thoroughly:
For fabrics that are salvageable, immediately soak them in cold water to remove dirt and debris. You may need to repeat this process a few times, especially if they’ve been soaked in muddy or contaminated water. - Use a Disinfectant or Vinegar Solution:
After rinsing, wash fabrics in your machine with hot water (if the fabric can handle it) and add a cup of white vinegar to help neutralize odors and kill bacteria. You can also use a fabric-safe disinfectant like Dettol or Lysol. - Drying:
Air drying is the best option—lay your fabrics flat in a sunny spot or hang them outside on a clothesline. If possible, avoid using a dryer initially, as high heat can set stains or smells if they haven’t been completely removed. - Dealing With Mold or Mildew:
If your fabric has developed mold or mildew spots, use a mold remover or a mixture of lemon juice and salt. Gently scrub the spots before washing. In some cases, mold may have already penetrated the fibers beyond repair, which could mean it’s time to let go of that fabric. - Assess Damage After Cleaning:
Once your fabric is washed and dried, inspect it for lingering smells, stains, or mold. If any of these persist, you may need to decide whether it’s worth keeping. Sometimes, it’s just not possible to fully restore the fabric, especially if it’s been soaked in floodwater for too long.

Caring for Notions and Supplies
Notions and quilting supplies are a whole other story. These can be trickier, depending on the material they’re made from. Here’s a breakdown:
- Rulers, Cutting Mats, and Plastic Supplies:
Give your plastic and acrylic rulers and cutting mats a good wash with warm, soapy water. If you suspect mold or bacteria, wipe them down with a diluted bleach solution (be sure to rinse thoroughly afterward). Lay mats flat to dry, avoiding any direct sunlight that could warp them. - Needles, Pins, and Metal Notions:
Metal items like pins and needles are at risk of rusting if they’ve been exposed to water. If they’re showing rust spots, it’s best to toss them and start fresh. For anything metal that’s salvageable, dry them immediately and store them with silica gel packs to keep moisture away. - Scissors and Rotary Cutters:
Take these apart, if possible, and clean each component. Dry them thoroughly and apply a light oil to prevent rusting on metal parts. If the blades are dull or rusted beyond repair, it’s time to replace them. - Thread and Batting:
Unfortunately, thread that’s gotten wet usually doesn’t stand a chance. Even if it looks okay, it could be weakened, making it prone to breaking. Batting can be tricky too—if it’s heavily saturated, toss it. But if it was only slightly damp and has dried out completely, you might be able to salvage it. - Patterns and Books:
Paper doesn’t do well with water damage. If patterns or books have only been slightly wet, try drying them out with the pages open. For anything that’s soaked through, especially if mold has set in, it’s probably time to let them go.
When to Toss vs. Keep
It’s tough to say goodbye to our beloved quilting supplies, but sometimes it’s necessary. Here are a few things I keep in mind when deciding what to toss:
- Fabric: If it still smells or shows signs of mold after cleaning, I toss it. Even if it looks okay now, mold can continue growing.
- Metal Notions: If they’re rusty or corroded, they go in the trash. Trying to salvage rusted pins or needles isn’t worth the risk of damaging future projects.
- Books and Paper: If they’re warped, discolored, or moldy, I usually let them go. It’s hard to reverse serious water damage in paper.
Tips for Prepping Your Quilting Supplies for Hurricane Season
- Store Fabric in Waterproof Containers:
Plastic bins with tight-fitting lids are your best bet for keeping fabric dry in case of flooding. - Elevate Your Supplies:
Keep your fabric stash, notions, and equipment on shelves above the ground level. If flooding occurs, this extra elevation can keep your items safe. - Ziploc Bags for Notions:
Store smaller items like thread, needles, and pins in Ziploc bags or other waterproof containers to protect them from moisture. - Backup Your Patterns Digitally:
Scan your paper patterns or keep a digital backup so that if something happens, you can reprint them later. - Cover Your Workspace:
In the event of a hurricane warning, cover your sewing machine and workspace with plastic tarps to protect them from any potential leaks or wind damage.
FAQs
Can I save fabric that smells after cleaning?
It depends. If the smell persists after a vinegar wash and air drying, it may be best to toss the fabric, as the odor could indicate lingering bacteria or mold.
Is it safe to use water-damaged fabric in quilts?
Only if it has been thoroughly cleaned and shows no signs of mold, mildew, or bad odors. Otherwise, it could cause health issues or further damage other fabrics.
Can batting be saved after water damage?
In most cases, waterlogged batting should be discarded. It’s very difficult to clean thoroughly, and if it dries stiff or smells, it’s not worth keeping.
Keeping your quilting supplies safe and knowing how to salvage them after water damage can save you time and heartache down the road.
Stay prepared, and you’ll be able to bounce back faster, even after a storm!

More Storage and Cleaning Quilting Resources:
- Can polyester thread shrink?
- How to wash your quilts
- Caring for your finished quilt
- How to clean your iron
- How to clean your cutting mat
- How to clean your sewing machine
- Do you wash your fabric before you cut and sew?

Becky Jorgensen is the creative quilter behind Patchwork Posse, the Patchwork Planner and her online quilt group Patchworkers Plus. You can find her patterns in books, magazines, and her quilt membership. Gather your quilting supplies, organize your sewing space, explore the process of disappearing quilt blocks, or finish a free quilt pattern. I'll help you use what you have, finish what you start and make your quilting journey fun!
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