What is the Best Way to Clean-Up Water Damage?
When a flood has affected your home or business, immediately find the source of the water and shut this down. If there is standing water, prioritize safety to avoid hazards such as slip-and-fall and electric shock. A wet-shop vacuum or water pump can remove the standing water, and should be done immediately. You can then ventilate the area, running dehumidifiers to start removing the excessive underlying moisture.
Identify Salvageable Items and Toss the Rest
The source of the water damage will impact the direction of the mitigation process. In a clean water loss, most items can be dried and salvaged. A water loss with contamination, like sewage, items such as carpet and padding underneath should be thrown out. Removing the carpeting will also help to get the area dried out as quickly as possible. Drywall and insulation that has been affected by contaminated water should be torn out and disposed of.
Belongings that have been soaked with clean water may not only require drying out, but will also need to be sanitized. This is particularly true for soft contents such as clothing, blankets and children’s plush toys. Soft contents cleaning, available from Soil-Away, can ensure that these items are fully disinfected.
Disinfect the Area and Keep an Eye Out for Mold Growth
After the area has been dried thoroughly, the sanitization process can begin. This will not only clean the area of any contaminants and bacteria, but it will also help to deter mold growth. Strong cleaners, particularly those containing anti-microbial elements, can hinder bacteria growth that may be left behind.
Even after a thorough drying and disinfecting, the flooded area may still be at risk for mold growth. Keep a vigilant eye out for any signs of mold growth, as it can spread rapidly to other areas. If you do see signs of mold, have a professional address the situation. Trying to remove the mold yourself can cause the spores to travel through the air, affecting other areas of the home.
By quickly and efficiently addressing water damage in your home or business, you can head off any problems down the road as a result. The restoration team at Soil-Away is experienced in mitigating flood damage.
With teams on call 24/7 contact Soil-Away at 603-641-6555 if your home is damaged by a flood.
