3 Tips for Cleaning Your Home After a Flood

Cleaning up after a home flood is an important part of the restoration process. These three tips will help you get started on your flood cleanup.

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1. Clean and Dry Your Home Promptly

Carpets, upholstered furniture, stuffed toys and other porous items should usually be removed and discarded after coming into contact with floodwaters. Floodwaters may contain contaminates from sewer systems and porous items are difficult to dry out quickly and completely enough to avoid mold growth. A restoration company in Rogers, MN, can help you determine which items can safely be restored and begin the process of drying out your home before mold can set in.

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2. Throw Out Items That Can't Be Cleaned

After a home flood, photograph damaged items before throwing anything away. Bedding, curtains and clothing may be able to be washed in hot soapy water. Use bleach if the fabric is bleach safe. Furniture and rugs can be flushed with clear water and then shampooed and air-dried. However, items that can not be thoroughly cleaned and dried should be discarded because they may provide a fertile ground for mold to grow and spread to the rest of your house.

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3. Dry Your Property Thoroughly

Mold will begin to grow on damp items in 48 hours. Open windows and doors and run the ventilators in your kitchen and bathroom to keep air moving and aid in drying out the property. If you do not have any standing water, you can use fans to help dry out wet areas. If you use a pump to remove water, direct the water into your yard or stormwater drains, rather than the sewer system.

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Storm damage from a home flood should be addressed quickly and completely to avoid further problems from contamination and mold growth. Begin cleaning and drying out your home as soon as you can safely do so.