Natural disasters can wreak havoc on your home’s belongings, including furnishings. If flooding occurs without ample warning, furniture in your home can be relocated to areas where flood waters are less likely to reach. Floodwaters, in any case, contain a swarm of diseases and germs. Like those caused by hurricanes or intense rainstorms, natural floods carry considerable amounts of pollution into the areas they affect. In towns with manufacturing plants, bacteria such as coliform and E. coli, sewage water, chemicals, and heavy metals can be present when your home floods and microorganisms carried by the floodwaters make their way into your house and property.
Dealing With Water Damaged Furniture
Here are some simple measures for water damage restoration you may do following a flood to save your furnishings.
Cleansing
Often, floodwaters are accompanied by muck and filth. Wipe your furniture with a soft cloth or brush. Avoid rubbing the dirt in; instead, whisk it away with soft strokes. Water may be required to dislodge any stubborn dirt. After that, dry your furniture with a dry cloth.
Dry everything out.
You should make every attempt to dry your furnishings immediately. Shelter it to avoid the damp wood breaking and warping. If there is standing water in your residence or damp flooring, use bricks or blocks to prop up your furniture. Utilize fans or dehumidifiers to assist in air circulation and speed up the drying process. Avoid using heat (hair dryers, irons) to dry your furniture, as this will damage the wood.
Remove all cabinet doors and drawers to aid in the drying process. These may become stuck as a result of the wood swelling from the water. If they become lodged, do not force them out; instead, examine them often while the swelling subsides to ensure that they can be removed ultimately while the drying process is completed.
Control mildew and mold.
Regrettably, the moist environment created by floodwaters is ideal for the growth of mold and mildew. Mildew and mold spores are found virtually everywhere and thrive in any moist, warm environment. As a result, keep an eye on your furniture during the drying process. Mildew or mold will grow on furniture that has been exposed to dampness for longer than 48 hours. You’ll need a damp towel dipped in a mild soapy water solution to remove it. Alternatively, combine white water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spray the solution on your furniture before wiping it clean.
Upholstered furniture.
Upholstered furniture that has been submerged in floodwaters nearly always requires reupholstering. Leather or vinyl upholstery is frequently more resistant to water damage than fabric upholstery. You can attempt to dry it first, but if the furniture smells musty or has substantial water stains, more invasive methods will most likely be necessary.
Veneers and adhesives.
Flood damage may cause the veneers on your furniture to peel away. Additionally, any glued-together furniture may begin to dissolve because water can cause the glue to crumble. To prolong the life of your furniture, click here if you want to engage a professional to assist you with repairs and veneer replacements.
Conclusion
The majority of the furniture that has experienced minor flood damage can be saved using the steps detailed below. However, substantial damage has occurred in rare instances, resulting in warping, cracking, or severe mildew and mold growth. In these instances, you should retain the services of a professional furniture restoration company to examine and revive your furniture to its original state.