Dealing With Flood Water Damage? Here Is How You Clean Your Home
Water in its purest form is life. However, too much water can bring large amounts of devastation. Flooding or leaks can not only destroy all of your worldly possessions but your home as well. Many times, if you are able to act quickly, you have the ability to put yourself and possessions out of harm’s way. The amount of water damage destruction is going to depend solely on the amount of water and how long it sits in the home. Furniture, electronics, and carpeting can easily be damaged due to excessive water.
Many homeowners do not get too worried if they only see an inch or less of water in their basements, yet this is a dangerous area where mold can breed. Mold can easily take over a home and ruin furniture, carpets, walls as well as lead to bad indoor air quality which can lead to severe illnesses and asthma. In order to keep you family healthy, it is imperative that you prevent mold growth in the home. Of course, one of the first steps in dealing with water damage is to get in touch with your local insurance agent. Once that is done, you can follow the steps below to deal with the after-effects of flooding and necessary water damage restoration in your water logged home or business. areas needing special attention include basements, ceilings, walls and carpets.
One of the first things that needs to be done is to disconnect the power. If this seems too dangerous call an electrician. Once the power has been shut it is time to remove all electronics from the house as well as furniture and any other movable objects. The sooner you are able to get your belongings out of the house, the more likely you will be able to save them. Once you have removed all sentimental items it is essential that electronics be moved next. These are typically more expensive and can be ruined quite easily. In order to prevent mold buildup, all carpeting and under-padding needs to be removed. Some carpet may be able to be reused if it is cleaned and disinfected, although it will more than likely shrink. If this is to happen you may have better luck using it as an area rug. Typically, the under-padding will be a lost cause as this is what will absorb the majority of the water.
Your next step is to remove all the standing water from the house. There are actually a few ways to remove water. If you have no power due to power outages or are just concerned about home wiring, you can do things the old fashioned way. Grab a few buckets and mops and sweep and scoop out as much water as possible. If water lines and sewers are in working order, it can all go down the drain, if not, go ahead and dump it into the street or lawn. You can also use a wet/dry vac for a quick cleanup. However, you will have to use care as this is an electric tool. While these are great tools to suck up water they can be dangerous as they often have to be operated with an extension cord. We don’t have to tell you that electric and water are not the best of friends! One of the best choices is to either rent, borrow, or buy a sump pump if you have power in your home. Your number one priority is to remove all the water and get the home dried and restored as quickly as possible to prevent mold growth and buildup.
It is now time to begin drying the flooded area. If you have removed all the water, you can begin using fans and dehumidifiers to speed up the process. If the storms have finished, open the windows in the home for a burst of fresh air as well as a speedier drying time. The home has to dry as fast as possible, always keep that on your mind. If the drywall has been touched by water it is more than likely going to have to be removed. Many times, the whole sheet does not have to be taken down, just the areas that got wet. Same as any trim that may have been touched by water, it will have to be lifted and inspected. If it is press-board it will more than likely have to be tossed. However, if it is real wood it can generally be dried and cleaned.
Are You Ready To Disinfect? Once the entire area has been dried out it is time to begin the disinfectant process. This is essential to make sure you remove any bacteria and viruses that may have come up through the toilets and sewer system. One f the most powerful disinfectants on the market is Gloves Off Disinfectant Make sure that you take the time to disinfect all the walls, woodwork, floors, and furniture that may have come into contact with flood waters.
Prevent any possibility of mold growth after the home has been thoroughly disinfected, it is time to apply a disinfectant to the area. Choose a non-toxic product that is safe for your family and home and preferably made with inorganic salts and distilled water. This can be used anywhere in the home and on anything that may be susceptible to mold growth. You will only need one layer of such a product applied and let it dry overnight. As the disinfectant product dries it will kill the mold that may already be present as well as crushing the roots of spores before they can emerge.
