10 Feb 2016

Efficient Means of Water Cleanup

Water cleanup takes time and patience. From dehumidifiers to good old-fashioned buckets and mops, find ways to effectively fix the problem with our carefully researched tips.

 

Tips to Dehydrate Your Home

  1. Make the area safe for you to work in. First things first: disconnect the power. Also, disconnect all electrical devices and remove electronics, furniture, and other portable items from the home. This way you can salvage these items before the water seeps into them too deeply.
  2. Next, do the obvious: remove the water! Any method will do. Buckets, towels, mops, and suction machines can drain the water away. If you are using an electronic device like a suction machine to carry out the water cleanup, just be sure to plug it in away from the water area to avoid electrical shock. The water may be removed, but water cleanup has just begun.
  3. Next, remove items that may have been soaking beneath the water. Carpets and rugs can be disinfected and even used later on if they are restored properly. The carpets and rugs may shrink or endure other changes from water damage, but after the full water cleanup, you may be able to reuse them in some way.
  4. Now that the bulk of the water is gone, the goal is to get rid of the drips, drops, and puddles so that the area remains dry as a bone. Dry out the vicinity with fans and a dehumidifier. Open the windows if the weather’s moderate. Check if any areas of wall have been soiled with water. If so, it may be a good idea to cut away those areas to avoid mold growth. Some of the material may be able restorable, so try to remove the areas cleanly. You are getting there!
  5. Though things may look spic and span, dirt, grime, and germs may linger beneath the surface. You must disinfect the entire region to prevent mold growth. You can use a cleaning product specifically aimed towards eliminating mold for this type of work. Once the deep cleaning has been done, it is time to tackle the remaining details.
  6. Reduce, reuse, and recycle! Instead of tossing all of the damaged items in the trash, see if you are able to recycle any of them or donate ones left intact to a local thrift store. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, so never throw an item away unless you are sure it can’t be used somewhere, somehow by someone else. Now your work is nearly done.
  7. Finally, call a company such as Vital Restoration that specializes in water cleanup, along with your insurance agent. They’ll take care of the rest and provide professional assistance through this draining process.