How To Clean a Flooded Basement

Flooding in the basement of your Rogers, MN home can cause major damage. Fortunately, it is possible to prevent further problems by following the three simple rules outlined below.

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1. Be Careful

Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Make sure the power is off in the basement before you begin working. Don’t attempt to use any water-damaged electronics or appliances and have those items professionally serviced before using them again to be sure it is safe to do so. Be mindful of slick spots when walking on wet floors. Wear proper protective gear if you are going to be dealing with mold growth.

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2. Be Quick

Mold growth can occur within 24 hours of flooding, so it is important to act quickly. Dry up the water using pumps or a wet/dry vacuum. Then begin drying out remaining moisture using fans and dehumidifiers. Some items, such as carpet padding, cannot be dried fully and need to be thrown away if they get wet. Drying wet furnishings and building materials quickly helps prevent structural damage.

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3. Be Thorough

When dealing with a basement flood, it is important to address all issues that arise. Make sure to completely dry everything that got wet. Repair cracks in the walls and do appliance or pipe repair if necessary to prevent further inundation. Clean up any mold growth that occurs. If the flood water was contaminated, sanitize everything that was affected. Throw away all items that cannot be fully cleaned and dried. If possible, take preventive action, such as installing and properly maintaining a sump pump, to prevent future flooding.

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Basement flooding can lead to mold growth and structural damage if not addressed quickly, so it is important to begin the cleanup process as soon as possible. However, it is equally important to be careful and thorough to make sure the job is done properly and safely.