Simple Tips for Cleaning a Flooded Basement Disaster

If you have been following the news, you’ve seen that hurricane Ian has caused unsurpassed damage throughout most of SW and Central Florida. Disaster recovery contractors are responding to a wide range of property damage disasters, including structural issues, water damage, roofing problems and more.

Even with hundreds of measures, water is an element people haven’t succeeded in controlling. You might have protected your home from flood loss, but in the real sense, you can never fully secure your home. Flood water can arise from different situations, including pipe bursts, heavy downpours, washing machine malfunctions, sewage backup and more. It is not unusual to come home from work or vacation and find your basement flooded. If you find yourself in such a situation, what steps will you take to clean the flood water from your basement?

Before cleaning the floodwater, you will need to confirm that the source of the disaster is neutralized to avoid doing zero work. Remember that you must first confirm that it is safe to access your basement as you can run into several dangers, including electrocution, gas leakage, toxic waste, and structural damage. You should only clean the basement when it is secure to do so.

Clear the Water

There are water removal firms that you may engage, but they might not get to your house for several days if it is a major flooding issue in your neighborhood. To keep the water out, it could be a smart option to pump it out yourself if you can do so. The required tools are reasonably priced and convenient to have on hand. You don’t want to keep the water in your basement for too long because it will result in other risks.

Cleaning and Disinfecting

Keep cleaning and disinfecting materials when all the water has been pumped out. You will need to do this as fast as possible because such conditions are best for mold and mildew growth, something you don’t want to deal with. Wear protective gear such as gloves, rain boots, and gloves for your safety.

If the water was from outside your house, you are likely to have mud and dirt on the floors. Scoop and dispose of it appropriately until the floor is ready for cleaning. In the process, dispose of all items that cannot be salvaged and keep the floors free from items.

Scrub your floors thoroughly to remove stains, and if you use chemical-based products such as bleach, properly ventilate the room. Disinfect all areas affected by the flood water, including items you normally store in the room.

Drying

Cleaning and disinfecting are not enough to keep mold and mildew away. You will need all hands on decks to ensure your basement is fully dried. This means opening all windows and ensuring proper ventilation in the room. If you don’t own an air dryer, you can use your heater to evaporate the moisture more quickly. 

Set up a dehumidifier when you’re finished with this operation to eliminate any leftover moisture. When running the dehumidifier, close the windows, and don’t forget to empty the storage tank routinely. To get rid of as much moisture as possible, maneuver the device around the space.