Cleaning Water Damage - How It Is Done

Those who have experienced water damage know how hard dealing with it can be. This article is written to inform those who have a water problem now, and to give awareness to those who haven't, on the several ways of cleaning water damage. When the water damage is not that big, it does not create that much of a problem as it can be dealt with using simple methods. However when the damage is already too large at the time it was discovered, or when flooding occurs and you're left with no choice but to wait for the water to subside, that's when it creates a big problem that sometimes would need professional help.

Cleaning water damage on a carpet that has been drenched by flood water has to be done well so that mold, mildew and bacteria don't stick to it. When buying a carpet cleaning solution, pick one that is industrial in strength. Choose one that deodorizes and has antibacterial properties. Scrub the carpet properly with a cleaning brush and make sure all the mud, dirt and other residue are removed. Careful brushing should be done too to avoid damaging the texture of the carpet. Rinse the carpet well with good clean water. Do this repeatedly until no more dirt and cleaning solution is left sticking to the carpet.

When rinsing is done, air out the carpet. Hang it out to fully dry. If you can afford to rent some high speed fans, it would better for faster drying time. A humidifier is also something useful in the cleaning process of carpets. This can help lower the humidity which prevents growth of bacteria and mold. Once the carpet dries up, it is ready to be used again.

Flooding not only does damage to carpets but also to furniture and baseboards as well. Oil Soap that can be bought at grocery stores and can be found at the cleaning supply rack is mild and gentle to use on furniture, wood floors and any kind of wood surface. Use this on your baseboard by diluting it with water. This assures removal of the stains left by the dirty water from the flood.

For your furniture, wipe it with wood polish. It lifts the dirt and dust from the furniture and brings back its original shine. It also removes allergens from dust.

If your curtains have been drenched in water too and have been stained, water damage clean up on it can be done. Just take your curtains down, soak them in warm sudsy water and rub the stained surface a little until the stain comes off. If the dirt is too stubborn to wash off, put a tiny amount of bleach in a small container and mix it with the warm sudsy water. Rub a little amount on the stained surface. When you have printed or colored curtains, there are bleaches at the grocery that are gentle on the fabric and don't allow fading. Rinse and dry it well before reusing.