Cleaning Up After A Flood

After a house floods, the water may be gone, but extensive damage remains. Floods can damage the house's structure, personal belongings, and the overall health of the inside. Unlike tap water, flood water contains contaminants and usually a lot of mud. Items like carpeting, appliances, and furniture can be ruined with even an inch of floodwater. These are a few flood cleanup techniques that can be used by homeowners to return their home back to its original shape.

Start with the Basics

First, shovel out any mud and try to get out as much as possible. Use a hose to wash mud off of hard surfaces. After the debris and mud have been moved, clean and disinfect every surface. Some surfaces can be scrubbed with a heavy duty cleaner and hot water. One-fourth of a cup of bleach for each gallon of water is a good solution that will disinfect most surfaces. However, be aware that bleach can lighten some materials and is not good for natural surfaces.

Household Items

When cleaning up after a flood, it's hard to know what to salvage and what to throw away. Mattresses, wood veneered furniture, and stuffed toys usually can't be saved. Furniture, rugs, and bedding can be saved if dried promptly. Open up the house to ventilate the area and use dehumidifiers to prevent mold growth. Carpets can usually be saved if dried quickly. Wood floors should be dried gradually. All of these items may benefit from professional cleaning, especially if covered through insurance.

These are the basics for cleaning up after a flood. Most household items like hardwood furniture and rugs can be salvaged with prompt care. Use these tips to return a home back to its pre-flood condition and ensure that cleanup is as efficient as well as effective as possible.