Cleaning Up After Water Damage
One of the hardest things to clean up is water damage. This is due to the fact that, as a liquid, water has the ability to drip, leak, and seep into all types of places that aren’t easy to reach or clean. Not to mention that water can cause damage to your home that just can’t be cleaned up or even fixed without having to replace parts.
However, that doesn’t mean you cannot save a few things from the water damage. With a few helpful tips, you can get your house cleaned up and protect what you can as quickly as possible.
Tip 1: Disconnect the power immediately!
If there is any water in the surrounding area, the first thing you will need to do is shut off the power and disconnect any electrical appliances that are currently plugged in. If the water has reached the height of your electrical outlets, you will need to have the power shut off in that area of the home or even the whole house before you should even go into the room. Water and a working electrical current don’t mix well.
Tip 2: Remove the furniture!
One of the hardest things to clean water damage from is furniture. That is why you need to try and remove any furniture that is in the water or has been damaged by the water as soon as you can. It is best if you can take it outside to dry in the sun, otherwise simply take it to a dry part of the house for now.
Tip 3: Remove the carpeting!
If the water damaged area happens to have carpeting, you will want to have it removed next. The under padding of the carpet will act like a sponge and absorb the majority of the moisture. While it is possible to save the carpeting, it is much more likely that you will need to have it replaced. Still, for now take it out to the sun to dry and make sure to have it disinfected to avoid mold growth from occurring.
Tip 4: Dry out the area as much as possible!
Once you have mopped up the majority of the standing water, get out the fans and dehumidifiers to help dry out the surrounding area. If it is no longer raining outside, try to open up any windows that are present in the room to let fresh air in. Additionally, a wet/dry vacuum can help remove some of the water, but you should be careful about plugging it in near the water damaged area.
Tip 5: Dispose of any damaged items that cannot be saved!
While some items may still be savable, others will not. Make sure to dispose of these unusable items properly. If any of these items are bulky like furniture, check with your local town or city laws about how best to dispose of them.
Tip 6: Prevent water damage from reoccurring!
Once you have cleaned up the scene of the damage, the best thing you can do is to prevent it from ever happening to your home again. One of the best ways for you to begin is by calling us at AAAction Waterproofing to begin waterproofing your basement, fixing any cracks in the foundation, and taking care of any mold problem that may have resulted from the water damage. Contact us today to learn more about services!