Minimizing Water Damage In Your Home
Where to Start
Anyone who has ever experienced water leakage or flooding knows it can
be a hassle to stop and a nuisance to clean up. However, you can minimize
water damage when you follow these tips provided from the disaster recovery
and restoration experts at ServiceMaster Clean.
Water Drying Procedures
If you follow these do's and don'ts, you'll be better prepared to avoid
costly mistakes. They will also aid you in restoring your home to its
condition before your water-related crisis.
Do's:
Temperature influences
- If the outside temperature is above 60 degrees, use dehumidifiers if available.
- If damage occurs during a cool season, leave heat on; if in summer,
use an air conditioner if available.
- Use fans to circulate the air and assist drying.
What to do with floors, furniture, and more
- Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting.
- Wipe furniture dry.
- Lift draperies off carpet, loop through a coat hanger, and place the
hanger on the drapery rod.
- Prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying.
- Remove wet area rugs or other floor coverings.
- Open furniture drawers, closet doors and luggage to enhance drying.
- Move photos, paintings and art objects to a safe, dry location.
- Remove wet fabrics and dry them as soon as possible. Hang furs and
leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
- Remove damp books from shelves and spread out to dry.
Don'ts:
- Do not turn up the heat in areas affected by water damage. Doing so
could promote the growth of bacteria and mildew. Instead, attempt to
stabilize the air temperature at 70 degrees F.
- Do not use an ordinary household vacuum to remove water.
- Do not use electrical appliances while on wet carpet or wet floors.
- Do not go into rooms with standing water if the electricity is still on.
- Do not lift tacked-down carpet without professional help. Lifting
the carpet incorrectly could promote shrinkage.
- Do not wait to call for professional help. Damage from the water
and bacteria growth can begin within hours.
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