Steps You Can Take to Salvage Water Damaged Belongings

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

Belongings damaged by water

The flooding is over and the water is gone - but what’s left is ruined belongings. Fortunately, valuables damaged by water in home floods or a broken pipe don’t have to be lost forever. Follow these steps to increase the odds of saving belongings damaged by water in your Mirrormount,WA, home.

How Water Destroys

Water is invaluable for cleaning and drinking, but if allowed to pool, it can cause inestimable damage. Some of the main ways water can damage items includes:

• Triggering mold growth
  
• Infiltrating electronics
  
• Delaminating furniture

Damage can be immediate and severe. But there are ways to fight back against water damage.

Dry, Dry, Dry

The most comprehensive drying is often done by professional remediators. But you can help by doing some superficial drying. Remove items like documents and artwork to a less-humid room and allow to air dry. Hang rugs and other textiles while they air dry as well. Most importantly, avoid putting things in sunlight as that can dry them too fast and cause new damage.

Clean Items

Bacteria is one of the biggest threats of water in home flooding, and disinfection is a critical part of flood cleanup. Rinse nonporous items with clean water or spray with a fine hose. If a hose is not practical, wipe items with a damp sponge. Next, reduce humidity by opening windows and turning on the air conditioning. This inhibits the growth of mold and bacteria.

Gather Debris

Water damage can cause items to fall apart. Gather all broken pieces - from disintegrating veneer pieces to detached parts - and put them in labeled, open containers. This will help professional restorers put items back together.
Standing water in home flooding can have devastating effects on your belongings. Professional flood remediators are the best bet for dry cleaning and restoration. Use the above tips to make their job easier and ensure you can get your belongings back in top condition.