Natural disasters can wreak havoc on your home’s belongings, including furniture. If flooding occurs without ample warning, you can relocate your furniture to areas where flood waters are less likely to reach. Floodwaters convey a swarm of illnesses and germs in any case. Like those triggered by hurricanes or severe rainstorms, natural floods carry enormous quantities of pollution into the areas they affect. Bacteria such as coliform and E. coli, sewage water, chemicals, and heavy metals can all be present in areas with manufacturing facilities when your home floods and microorganisms carried by the floodwaters make their way into your home.
Dealing With Water Damaged Furniture
Following are some simple steps you may take to save your furniture following a flood.
Cleansing
Mud and dirt are typically found in floodwaters. Wipe your furniture down with a gentle cloth or brush. Rather than rubbing the dirt in, brush it away with delicate strokes. Water may be necessary to dislodge any stubborn dirt. After that, dry your furniture with a clean, dry cloth.
Dry everything out.
You should make every attempt to immediately dry your furniture. Shelter it to avoid cracking and warping of the damp wood. If your home still has standing water or soggy flooring, prop your furniture up with bricks or blocks. Utilize fans or dehumidifiers to aid air circulation and speed up the drying process. Avoid using high heat to dry your furniture (hair dryers, irons) since this will cause the wood to deteriorate.
Remove cabinet doors and drawers to assist in the drying process. These may become lodged in the wood due to the swelling caused by the water. If they become caught, do not force them out; instead, examine them frequently as the swelling subsides to ensure they can be removed ultimately while the drying process is completed.
Control mildew and mold.
Regrettably, floodwaters create an excellent habitat for mold and mildew growth. Mildew and mold spores thrive in any moist, warm atmosphere. As such, monitor the drying process of your furniture. If your furniture is exposed to dampness for a period of more than 48 hours, mildew or mold will develop. You’ll need a damp towel dipped in a mild soapy water solution to remove it. Alternatively, put white water and vinegar in a spray bottle and mist your furniture before wiping it clean or simply hire disaster restoration services.
Upholstered furniture.
Upholstered furniture that has been wet in floodwaters nearly always requires reupholstering. When compared to fabric upholstery, leather or vinyl upholstery is frequently more resistant to water damage. You can attempt to dry it first, but if the furniture smells musty or has substantial water stains, more invasive procedures will almost likely be required.
Veneers and adhesives.
Flood damage to your furniture may cause the veneers to peel away. Additionally, any glued-together furniture may begin to dissolve as a result of the glue crumbling due to the effect of water. To prolong the life of your furniture, you’ll want to engage a professional restoration company like PuroClean to assist you with repairs and veneer replacement.
Conclusion
The majority of the furniture that has been lightly damaged by flooding can be saved using the procedures detailed below. However, in rare instances, substantial damage has occurred, resulting in warping, cracking, and severe mildew and mold growth. In these instances, contact a professional furniture restoration company to examine and restore the original state of your furniture.