How to clean up after a flood: essential tips to help reclaim your home
1. START DRYING INTERIORS RIGHT AWAY
Mould is often one of the biggest problems in a house that is flooded. Knowing how to dry out interiors does not eliminate fungal growth, but you can minimise the damage.
• Set up fans in every room to circulate air and speed up the drying process. • Do not open windows to outside humidity that can promote mold growth. • Resist running the AC because it spreads airborne spores and contaminants. • Use push brooms to move standing water on floors and direct it outside the house. • Hang salvageable carpeting outside to dry, but do not try to save soaked padding.
2. CAREFULLY INSPECT WET FURNISHINGS
Thoroughly inspect wet furnishings, but do not haul off damaged items that can’t be cleaned or repaired. Pile them outside so that the insurance adjuster can see exactly what you’ve lost.
• Solid wood furniture dries in four to six weeks and usually needs refinishing. • Dispose of anything made with particle board including veneered furniture. • Inspect damage to sofas and chairs by removing fabric coverings and padding from frames. • Clean and dry metal springs and frames, and seal them with rust-inhibiting paint. • Wash upholstery or bring in a cleaning contractor who specialises in restoring water-damaged furniture.
3. QUICKLY TAKE CARE OF SOAKED CLOTHES
All types of fabric begin to mold and mildew after being soaked by floodwaters. Sort through your clothes as quickly as possible by separating washable items from dry cleaning.
• Wring out everything, but don’t store damp clothing in plastic bags. • Loosen deep dirt from washables by rinsing several times in cold water. • After repeated rinsing, soak badly soiled clothes in cold water and detergent for 24 hours. • Finally, launder all rinsed clothing using both detergent and disinfectants in the wash cycle.
4. THINK TWICE ABOUT BEDS
Depending on their material, pillows can be saved if they aren’t too wet. Badly soaked mattresses are breeding grounds for mold and mildew, so think twice before trying to salvage water-damaged beds.
• Brush dirt off pillow covers and check them for frays and tears. • Machine or hand wash pillows in warm water with detergent and disinfectant.
