No homeowner wants to come home or wake up to water problems. But unfortunately, it’s common. Whether it’s the result of a rainstorm, flood, or burst pipe, water damage needs to be cleaned as soon as possible to prevent mold growth. If left untreated, mold can develop in as little as 24 hours! Below, we answer your questions about how to clean up damage from water. However, one of your main steps will be to call a water damage restoration company.

Before You Clean, Turn Off Your Electricity (If Needed)

Water issues comes in all shapes and sizes. For small leaks caused by rainstorms or burst pipes, shutting off the electricity to the house won’t be necessary. However, you should always shut off electricity/unplug things near the affected area.

For more significant water problems, such as those caused by floods, turn the electricity off as soon as you can to prevent further damage and harm. Wear rubber gloves, boots, and other required protective gear. Call a plumber if you don’t feel comfortable doing this.

Throw Out Damaged Items…But Keep Some for Evidence

After experiencing severe damage, chances are you’re going to call your insurance company. Take photos of the damage. You can also keep a piece of physical evidence to show them later on, such as a piece of damaged hardwood floors or drywall.

Water damage affects many things inside your home. Remove water-logged items from your home and bag them so they can be properly disposed of. If you’re unsure whether or not something can be saved, contact a water damage restoration professional for their honest opinion.

Keep Your Windows Open

Mold grows once it’s been exposed to water. But it also grows in high levels of humidity. Keep your windows open to get a cross breeze while tending to water damage. This helps capture excess moisture buildup in the air.

Plug in a dehumidifier to achieve the same results. Another option is to turn on your air conditioner or open up your front and back door to let air enter the home.

Use a Disinfectant

It’s not enough to just clean up the water; you have to disinfect the damaged area once it’s cleared. This prevents mold growth. Use a household cleaner or make your own blend of water and vinegar if you notice mold spores already developing.

Don’t Let Trash Pile Up

It’s normal to just let the trash pile up until you’re ready to remove it from the premises. Try to avoid this. The longer water-logged and moldy trash sits, the easier it’ll be to contaminate the rest of your house. Throw out trash as you clean to avoid further issues.

Don’t Have the Proper Tools to Clean Up After Water Damage? Call a Professional Water Damage Restoration Company For Help

Maybe you don’t have the right tools to clean up properly. If this is the case, a water damage restoration company can help. They have the tools you’ll need to get your home back to normal. Plus, they can recognize different types of mold and will utilize the correct treatments to prevent further damage to your home.

Do you have water damage? The damage restoration professionals at California Steam Clean can help. Call (707) 755-7190 for your free estimate.