Since Washington DC is a city between the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers, areas such as Potomac Park and the National Mall up to the Reflecting Pool are susceptible to overbank flooding. Riverine flooding can also occur when storms upstream bring an overwhelming amount of water down the rivers.
But besides natural disasters, emergencies like a water heater breakdown, leaky roofs, or a burst pipe can send gallons of water into your home in seconds.
Water flooding into your house can turn your whole place upside down. Depending on its source, it may also carry raw sewage, silt, or chemical wastes that can cause diseases.
Knowing how to conduct proper water cleanup and disinfection can help bring order into chaos and protect yourself and your loved ones from illnesses. On that note, here are some practical tips for cleaning and sanitizing after water damage.
Prepare Before You Enter
If you have recently experienced widespread flooding, it helps to remember that the dangers don’t go away just because the water levels have gone down. It’s best to wait for your local authority’s permission before going back home if you had to evacuate.
While you’ll understandably have the strong desire to start cleaning immediately, never enter your water damaged-home without wearing protective attire. Debris and disease-causing microorganisms may be present in standing water, so putting on rubber boots and waterproof gloves is a good idea.
A severe storm may have affected nearby electrical circuits, so turn off your power supply to avoid electrical shock. Avoid entering flooded areas if you suspect faulty wires nearby, and have an electrician inspect your electrical system before you turn the supply back on or use appliances.
Remove the Excess Water
Extracting the excess water and drying out your place is critical in not only cleaning your property but also preventing further issues like mold.
Fortunately, there are many ways for you to do this. You can manually remove the water using buckets, mops, and old towels. A wet/dry vacuum can be used, too; however, you’ll need to ensure your outlets are not affected by water to avoid electrical accidents.
Once all excess floodwater is removed, dry out the area using fans and dehumidifiers. Opening your windows if the weather permits is also a good idea, as this allows air to circulate and speeds up the drying process.
Take Care of the Initial Cleanup
Before cleaning and sanitizing your home after water damage, it’s recommended that you remove all damaged components first, discard unsalvageable belongings, and move recoverable items to a secure space.
Among the first structures you’ll want to look at are your drywall, insulation, and flooring. If more than 10 square feet of your drywall has been affected by water damage, you may need a water damage restoration team to remove it properly. The same goes for the insulation behind it.
Meanwhile, ceramic tile, solid wood, and laminate flooring that appear dry may also need to be removed since they can easily collect moisture and silt underneath and promote microbial growth.
Clean Your Furniture and Other Household Items
In most cases, kitchenware such as glass, porcelain, china, and plastic dinnerware can be saved and used again. Submerging them in a solution of 2 tablespoons of bleach per gallon of hot water can disinfect them. As for silverware, metal utensils, and pans, never use chlorine bleach. Instead, boil them in hot water for 10 minutes to sterilize them.
Appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines that still work may be cleaned with a disinfectant or liquid soap. Let them air dry after cleaning by opening the doors before use.
Get Professional Help for the Best Results
Water cleanup can be done independently. But if you’re faced with an overwhelming mess or don’t have the time and resources to do a thorough job, it’s best to leave the task to the experts in water extraction, drying, and cleanup. They have both the equipment to give your home a deep clean and the expertise to complete the job as quickly as possible. With their help, you can return to your routine and get your life back to normal in no time.
When floodwater has entered your home, Restoration 1 of Washington DC is here to guide you through our straightforward water cleanup process 24/7. Let us address and prevent any damage efficiently — call us today to get started!
