Cleaning Up After A Flood

With the flooding period that occurred lately we know that you don’t really know where to start with setting your home back on track. So here is a step by step guide on how to proceed in case your home was flooded. 

Make sure to be safe first

Before entering your house after a flood make sure that the gas and electricity is first shut off. This will help prevent unpleasant surprises that could lead to major accidents. Before entering you should also examine the structure and make sure that everything is stable, pay extra attention to beams and stairs. Also, make sure that you wear the correct protective gear. 

Have the correct cleaning products

Your goal when cleaning your home is to disinfect all household items as bacteria can quickly form with flood water. Cleaning is also essential so make sure that you have industrial products as they are better equipped and come in larger quantities. For walls and floors you can also use ammonia and trisodium phosphate. For textile use chlorine diluted with water so as to not impact the fabrics. 

Steps for cleaning : 

Remove all water - you can use pumps and pails and use a wet vacuum. 

Remove all contaminated materials and items - unfortunately you may need to throw out materials and items that have been contaminated by water to the point where they are no longer viable. Discard them in plastic bags and dispose of them according to the regulations in your area.

Remove bud and slits before it dries- the next step is to make sure that your home is mud-free as this will be much harder to remove once it is dried. 

Remove wall insulation and clean walls - please be aware that any insulation that has become wet during the flood will need to be removed so that it will not contaminate the rest of your home. After this has been removed, make sure to disinfect the walls and also make sure that they dry properly. 

Scrub out your floors and wood surfaces - do a proper cleaning of all floors and wood surfaces as these are the most susceptible to damage. Clean and disinfect and then dry out as fast as possible. 

Dry your home as soon as possible

If you have power then make sure to turn on all heat and dehumidifiers. If they do not work opt for a portable generator and make sure to use it for all relevant appliances. Be sure to also open all doors and windows for the air to circulate. It is important that your home be as dried as possible in 24 to 48 hours. 

Monitor the moisture levels

It is very important in the days following the flooding that you monitor all surfaces especially walls and floors for traces of moisture. You can buy a moisture meter and check it regularly as partial drying creates a breeding ground for bacteria and mildew. 

Need a professional cleaning service for your home after the flood ? Write us an email at info@homeluxy.com as we do these on quote.