As anyone who’s ever lived through a severe storm can attest, post-storm cleaning and clean-up is no small feat. And there are special precautions you should take during the clean-up process to keep you safe. Here are some cleaning tips for post-flood damage.
1. Suit up
It is important to wear rubber boots, gloves, and goggles during the cleanup process as you will be handling bleach. Coming into contact with mold is also likely and so masks are also recommended.
2. Ensure proper ventilation
Since you will be working with large amounts of bleach, mold removers, or other harsh cleaners, you should make sure there is adequate airflow and ventilation throughout the work area.
3. Use non-phosphate cleaners and detergents
Mold loves to feed on phosphate residue. Even in relatively small amounts of water (an inch or two) mold can grow, taking only 48 hours to germinate.
4. Make sure to use fans and dehumidifiers
You want to dry things out as quickly as possible to be able to assess damage and begin the salvaging of furniture or other items.
5. Various furniture and fabric guidelines
Upholstered furniture: might be able to be salvaged depending how long it was submerged.
Wood: Most solid wood furniture can be saved but particle board cannot.
Leather: Clean with a fungicide.
Clothing: Wash quickly to prevent mildew
Walls: Remove drywall, insulation, and baseboards if flood water has risen that high—Twelve to eighteen inches above the water line is recommended.
Floors: Disinfect all floors and non-porous surfaces with a 10% bleach solution.
N&A Commercial Cleaning knows that accidents happen and are here to help you clean up the mess.
