How to Safely Cleanup a Flooded House
A flooded house is a daunting task to cleanup. Water damage is one of the most expensive repairs a homeowner can face. This type of repair is not typically covered by homeowners insurance, so it is important to know the best way to cleanup a flooded house. This blog will provide step-by-step instructions on how to safely and effectively cleanup your home after a flood.
- The first step is to assessed the damage. If the water has risen above the electrical outlets or is still actively flooding into the home, do not enter. Contact a professional to assess the damage and make repairs before proceeding with cleanup. If the water has receded and it is safe to enter the home, proceed to step two.
- Remove all standing water from the home. This can be done with a wet/dry vac or by mopping and squeegeeing the water out the door. Do not use a regular vacuum as this can cause an electrical shock.
- Once all of the standing water is removed, it is time to dry out the house. Open all doors and windows (weather permitting) and turn on all fans and dehumidifiers. If you have hardwood floors, place floor fans blowing across the floor to aid in drying. Prop up wet furniture cushions to help them dry more evenly and prevent mold growth.
- Mud and debris will need to be removed from carpeting and upholstery. Hose outdoor carpeting off as much as possible before bringing it into the house as this will keep extra mud from coming into your home. For heavy mud buildup, you may need to rent a power washer or hire a professional carpet cleaning company with special equipment designed for heavy-duty cleaning. Upholstery can usually be cleaned with a shampooer rented from a grocery or hardware store; be sure to follow manufacturer’s instructions when using rented equipment as some fabrics may require special care or solutions not included with the machine rental agreement .
- Now that everything is clean, it is important to prevent mold growth. Mold thrives in moist environments so keeping everything as dry as possible is key . continue running fans and dehumidifiers until everything is completely dry . if you live in an area with warm, humid weather , it may be necessary to run them indefinitely . Check under carpets , behind wallpaper , in attics , and anywhere else where moisture may be present . if mold is found , contact a professional for assistance in removal . Some types of mold are very harmful to humans and animals if inhaled .
- Finally, once everything is clean and dry , you will want disinfectant everything because floodwaters often contain sewage and other contaminants . Use a solution of 1 cup bleach per gallon of water or look for EPA -registered cleaners made specifically for killing mold and bacteria . apply cleaner using a mop , sponge , or spray bottle taking care not get any cleaner on finished surfaces such as hardwood floors or painted walls because it could damage them discoloration or fading may occur even if no visible damage done be sure also read disinfectant labels thoroughly before using take necessary precautions such as wearing gloves or ventilating area Flooded houses are never fun but following these steps will help get your home back its original condition as quickly safely possible
Following these steps will help get your home back to its original condition as quickly and safely possible. If you have any questions about specific products or procedures, please don’t hesitate reach out professional for assistance avoid further damage your home .
