Free Cleaning Kits Available This Week

MILWAUKEE – The City of Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) is urging city residents impacted by the historic flooding last week to take advantage of free cleaning kits available at The Salvation Army Citadel Corps this week.

The cleaning kits were made possible through a generous donation from the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), with distribution supported by The Salvation Army. They are designed to help city residents begin safe and effective cleanup following flood damage.

Flood recovery efforts must begin as soon as possible to protect health and safety. Floodwaters often contain sewage, bacteria, and chemicals that can cause serious illness. Even after the water is gone, surfaces, furniture, and household items that came into contact with floodwater may remain contaminated. These items must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, and in many cases, thrown out to prevent mold, illness, and long-term damage.

The cleaning kits, packaged in 5-gallon buckets with lids, include essential items for safe cleanup such as laundry detergent, cleaning products, rubber gloves, microfiber towels, face masks, mosquito spray, and garbage bags. These tools are designed to help residents begin the cleanup process safely and effectively.

Free cleaning kits are available for Milwaukee residents to pick-up at:

The Salvation Army Citadel Corps
4129 W. Villard Ave., Milwaukee, WI, 53209
Distribution Hours:

* Monday through Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
* Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

**Distribution will continue daily through Saturday, August 23, 2025, or while supplies last**

“Flood cleanup can be overwhelming, but it is critical to get started right away to prevent mold, illness, and long-term damage,” said Milwaukee Commissioner of Health Michael Totoraitis, PhD. “Floodwaters are dangerous, especially when sewer water is involved. Even once the water has receded, residents must clean and sanitize everything that was touched, and sometimes that means throwing items away. These kits provide Milwaukee residents with practical tools to protect their health and safety while beginning recovery. We are grateful to UMCOR and The Salvation Army for their partnership and commitment to supporting our community.”

About UMCOR
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is the global humanitarian relief agency of The United Methodist Church. UMCOR works in more than 80 countries worldwide, providing relief and long-term support to communities recovering from disasters.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

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