Tips for Cleaning a Water-Damaged Home

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Water inside the home can result in a lot of damage. It can ruin furniture and prize possessions and even lead to a mold infestation. Fortunately, you can minimize this and save your favorite furniture pieces if you act quickly. Here are some tips for dealing with a water-damaged home:

It's crucial that you remove all your electronics, furniture and other items immediately out of the water. The sooner you get them out, the better the chances that they can still be usable. But make sure you disconnect the power leading to the water damaged area first to avoid untoward incidents. Throw away items that can't be saved or used, like rugs, baby toys, wall coverings, upholstered furniture and paper products.

Try to remove water from the room as soon as you can. One option would be to do it the old-fashioned way and use buckets, mops and old towels to soak up the water. You can then pour the water down the drain, the lawn or other permeable surface. You can also use a wet/ dry vacuum. However, make sure you plug it into an outlet that's far from the water. You don't want to put yourself at risk for an electric shock.

Once the water has been removed or mopped up, dry out the affected area. Use a fan or a dehumidifier to help things along. You can also open the windows to help the area dry faster. Set the fans so that it will blow the air away from the home. This will also allow the air to circulate. Bear in mind that you might need to cut away drywall that got wet. Otherwise, it will crumble and the paper backing will be susceptible to mold.

Preventing the buildup of mold is crucial after flooding. Molds can lead to respiratory problems and other illnesses. It can also ruin walls, floors, carpets and furniture. Stop mold from growing or remove it from surfaces with hot water and a dish detergent. Afterwards, disinfect thoroughly with a 10 percent bleach solution. However, you will need the services of a professional mold remediation company if mold has developed in an area larger than 10 square feet.

Make sure you deal with water damage inside your home as soon as possible. You should also call your insurance company and inform them of your situation and what you plan to do. At Brad Spurgeon Insurance Agency Inc., we put our clients first by offering them policies that they can afford. Learn more about our products and services by calling our agency at ​(409) 945-4746. You can also request for a free quote by CLICKING HERE.