As I think back, it's amazing how many reporters got into New Orleans after Katrina to do interviews, but nobody could get in to do repairs and rescues. C'est la vie.

Anyway, about laundry - it depends on where you are. In New Orleans, no one could do laundry for many reasons, so they just went to the local store and looted clothes from there. The police stood by as long as you were taking necessaries - they understood the necessity. Looters of liquor and drugs were arrested, but people looting groceries and clothes were allowed.

I would say clean clothes, clean dishes, and clean bodies are more than moral boosters. Cleanliness helps keep you from getting sick when there's no hope for medical attention. Cleanliness is _especially_ necessary for long term survival after a devastating storm, earthquake, whatever. The problem is getting and keeping clean water.