Flooding can occur from many sources, such as a broken water heater, washing machine overflow, ice maker breakage, or a pipe bursting.
When a home is flooded, it’s important to take the time to clean up everything that has been impacted by the flood. This will help prevent bacterial contamination and mold growth.
1. Remove Debris
It’s crucial to remove the debris that accumulated around your home during flooding. You’ll need to move drywall, carpeting, furniture and other items from the inside of your home to an outside area that can dry them out quickly.
Start by assessing your damage and taking pictures. These will help you identify the extent of the damage and provide evidence if you need to file an insurance claim.
Once you’ve done that, you can begin removing the flood-damaged items from your home and salvaging what can be saved. Don’t leave salvageable items in your home for long, as they can quickly get moldy.
2. Clean Up
Cleaning up your home after a flood is a vital step in the recovery process. Once the water has receded, it’s important to remove as much debris from the interior of your home as possible to prevent mold growth.
Leaving items contaminated with floodwater and sewage in your home could cause serious health problems for you and your family, so make sure to take extreme precautions when cleaning up. Wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves, and a well-ventilated mask like an N95.
It’s also a good idea to dispose of damaged or destroyed furniture and personal belongings. Doing so will reduce the amount of debris you have to deal with, which is better for your overall safety and for the environment.
3. Dry Out
Drying your home after a flood is an important step to ensure that mold doesn’t develop. It’s a critical process that takes time and a lot of work.
To begin with, extract all of the water out of your home. This includes floors, carpets, furniture and anything that’s been soaked by the water.
If possible, remove any valuables from the area before you start cleaning it up, like your mattress, box springs, sofa cushions and other electronics. These items can become breeding grounds for mold and bacteria if they’re left in the water too long.
Next, evaporate any remaining water by using fans. Industrial-grade fans are often used to speed up the process, but you can also use your regular home appliances.
4. Disinfect
After a flood, it’s important to disinfect all surfaces that were exposed to water. This includes countertops, floors, appliances, utensils and food storage containers.
Disinfectants help to stop the growth of disease-causing microorganisms that were carried in contaminated floodwater. They are not a substitute for proper cleaning, but can greatly reduce your risk of infection.
The floodwater that entered your home likely contained raw sewage, chemicals, fuel and other hazardous substances. These can be hazardous to your health and the health of your family.
5. Restore
After a flood, you might find yourself in need of professional help to restore your home. That’s because the water in a flooded house can contain bacteria, spores, mold and even sewage that can make you sick if not treated properly.
Start the cleanup process by removing any wet or damp areas. Run fans in rooms to keep air circulating and discourage mold growth.
Use a cleaning product that kills germs and sanitizes all hard surfaces in your house. This is especially important if you have water damage to carpeting, wood floors or other materials that can attract bacteria.
Once the flood damage is cleaned up, it’s time to reclaim your home and begin restoring your life. By following these steps, you’ll be able to get your home back to normal in no time!
