Cleaning Your Home's Contents After a Flood

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

Not all your possessions are going to be wasted after a flood in your Rocky Mount, NC, home.

If a severe storm hits Rocky Mount, NC, causing water to infiltrate your home, it's advantageous to know beforehand how to deal with water-damaged possessions. Most things will have to be taken care of swiftly to have a likelihood to salvage. In addition to the moisture itself, you must also be careful of mold growth, which will start growing within 24-48 hours of water presentation. It's essential to take swift action. Implement these content cleaning tips to save as much as possible after a flood.

1. Flooring

Soaked carpet will probably not be salvageable. The water can soak into the padding and even down to the subfloor. It's challenging to dry carpet in time to prevent mold growth. If you spot significant damage or can't get the subfloor completely dried in time, it will probably have to be cut out and replaced. Hardwood or laminate flooring may also need to be taken up if you suspect the water has seeped into it.

2. Drywall

Drywall is porous and can soak up water like a sponge. Therefore, it's essential to dry it entirely or cut out the wet parts and replace them if you see any damp drywall. Mold can even grow behind and within the drywall.

3. Furniture

Wood is porous, so wooden furniture and cabinets will have to be treated carefully after being affected by water. Take them outside and remove any drawers, shelves, and doors that are removable. Clean all parts with a mild soap and damp cloth. Allow everything to dry out of direct sunlight. Depending on the severity of the damage, it may require professional restoration. Upholstered furniture will probably need to be professionally cleaned, but you must begin drying it out immediately for any chance of saving it.

4. Paper Products

Paper products such as books, documents, and photographs are some of the most challenging types of content cleaning; they're likely to be unsalvageable if they've gotten wet. If you have important documents, collectible books, or sentimental photographs, water damage restoration professionals can sometimes restore them with their specialized equipment and expertise.

5. Electronics

Inspect all electronics that have been affected by the water. For smaller appliances such as toasters, microwaves, and coffee makers, check for fraying or exposed wires before plugging anything in or powering it on. Call a service company to inspect larger appliances like refrigerators, ranges, washing machines, and dryers for damage to see if they're salvageable or not. If you're unsure, it's best to replace it instead of risking injury or a fire.

6. Clothing

Clothing that's been in floodwaters must be cleaned thoroughly to remove the debris and contaminants from the water, particularly if it was black water (i.e., water that's highly contaminated). Washable fabrics can be treated with prewash stain treatment spray. Use powdered detergent, which is better at releasing dirt from the clothing. Also, wash them in cold water to prevent stains from setting in. Then, you should wash it a second time in hot water (for clothes that can tolerate hot water) and powdered detergent, along with bleach or another laundry sanitizer.

Now you can be better prepared for a flood with these ideas for content cleaning and mitigating property loss. Put a plan into place today so you can be ready if the worst should happen.