The short answer
Start with Safety First
Before entering a flooded area, shut off the main electrical power at your breaker panel if it is safe to access. If water has reached outlets, do not enter. Also, turn off the water supply to stop the flooding source if you can locate the shutoff valve. Wear protective gear like rubber boots and gloves to avoid contact with contaminated water and debris.
Assume any flood water is contaminated, especially from outdoor flooding or a sewage backup. Avoid contact with this water and do not let children or pets near the area. If you must handle anything wet, wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. For your safety, these initial steps are critical before any cleanup tricks can be applied effectively.
Remove Water and Debris
The faster you remove standing water, the less damage occurs. Use a wet-dry vacuum, buckets, or mops to extract as much water as possible. Start from the edges and work towards deeper areas. If you have a working sump pump, you can use it, but never operate electrical equipment in standing water unless you are certain power is off.
Remove all soaked, movable items like rugs, furniture, and boxes from the flooded space. Take these items outside to dry if weather permits. Clean mud and silt from floors and walls using a shovel or plastic scraper. This debris holds moisture and can damage surfaces further if left in place.
- Use a wet-dry vacuum on its wet setting.
- Mop and wring out water into a bucket.
- Shovel out mud and silt promptly.
- Move furniture and rugs to a dry area.
- Place aluminum foil under furniture legs on wet carpet.
- Punch small drainage holes in sagging ceilings.
Dry Out the Affected Area
After water removal, drying is the next crucial step. Open all windows and doors to create cross-ventilation. Use fans and dehumidifiers if you have them, placing them strategically to move air. Aim fans at walls and corners where moisture hides. Outdoor air can help during dry periods.
Lift wet carpet from the tack strips and prop it up to dry the pad and subfloor underneath. Remove baseboards to allow air behind walls. Check hidden cavities like inside closets and under cabinets. Monitor drying progress; materials should feel dry, not damp or cool. Remember, these tricks aid drying but cannot replace industrial-grade equipment for trapped moisture.
Clean and Disinfect Surfaces
Once surfaces are dry, you must clean and disinfect them to prevent mold and bacteria. Mix a solution of one cup of household bleach with one gallon of water for non-porous surfaces like tile, vinyl, and metal. Always test a small area first, and never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners. Wear gloves and eye protection during this process.
Scrub affected hard surfaces thoroughly with your cleaning solution. For porous materials like drywall or insulation that have been soaked, removal is often necessary as they cannot be properly disinfected. After cleaning, rinse the area with clean water and dry it completely again. This step helps sanitize the area but does not address structural damage or hidden mold growth.
When to Call the Pros
These DIY tricks are for minor, clean water incidents where you act quickly. For any significant flooding, contaminated water, or if moisture remains after two days, you should contact local water damage pros. They have moisture meters, industrial extractors, and air movers to dry structures properly. Attempting a major cleanup alone can leave hidden moisture that leads to mold and rot.
If the water came from a sewer, river, or contained chemicals, do not attempt cleanup yourself due to health hazards. The pros follow safety protocols for contaminated scenarios. Also, if drywall, insulation, or flooring is extensively wet, professional removal and drying is needed to protect your home's structure. Their assessment ensures the job is done completely.
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Call Now (208) 537-2633Frequently asked questions
Can I just dry everything with fans?
Fans help with surface drying, but they often cannot remove moisture trapped inside walls, under flooring, or in insulation. This hidden dampness leads to mold and structural damage. Professional-grade dehumidifiers and air movers are designed to dry these enclosed spaces completely, which household fans cannot achieve.
What should I throw away after a flood?
Generally, you should discard porous items that have absorbed contaminated water and cannot be sanitized. This includes mattresses, upholstered furniture, carpets, drywall, and insulation. Non-porous items like metal or plastic can often be cleaned. When in doubt about an item's safety, it is best to discard it.
Will my homeowner's insurance cover flood cleanup?
Standard policies often cover sudden, accidental water damage from inside your home, like a burst pipe. However, damage from external flooding may require separate flood insurance. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Document the damage with photos and contact your insurance company to start a claim.