Cleaning up after a flood is a tedious and arduous task. Water damages your home’s foundation and carries bacteria, mold, and mildew spores, among other contaminants that can cause health issues. Since this job is so time-consuming, it is essential to hire a professional cleaning company to help remove these pathogens.
1. Foundation
The foundation is the house’s first and most crucial part that needs to be washed. The ground outside your home, where the foundation sits, is one of the most contaminated areas. Mold can spread throughout your house in areas where you cannot see it, allowing bacteria to enter your home through tiny cracks and in between floorboards.
After water damage, one of the pressing concerns homeowners face is the potential growth of mold and harmful pathogens in damp areas. It’s crucial not just to clean but to ensure the areas are free from harmful contaminants. If you’re uncertain about the presence of mold in your property, consider consulting with A-1 Certified Environmental Services for professional insight and testing.
2. Underneath Furniture
Underneath furniture such as chairs, couches, tables, and other pieces of furniture, they will become contaminated if they are moved out of their original place during cleaning. It is essential to vacuum underneath chair legs and run a feather duster over the sides of tables and other things you cannot move around your home on your own.
3. Drains and Washing Machines
Dried-on kitchen scraps, dirt, and grease from utensils must be flushed out with a hose before you can wash your floors or clean your windows. Drains and machines should be washed with a bleach solution to avoid future issues in your home.
4. Bathroom Remodeling Materials
Non-digestible materials such as paints, wallpaper, carpet padding, and other materials that could have been in contact with water must be removed from the wall before cleaning starts. It is important because these materials can easily cause health issues.
5. Basement Floors
Some basements contain areas where tiles were removed and water was left behind. To avoid sewage contamination, the carpets, floors, and walls in these areas need to be cleaned or replaced in these areas before you can return to the basement to wash. Water from floods may contain biological contaminants and dissolved solids, which can cause serious health problems over time.
6. Porch and Front Doors
Front doors, porches, and other areas that may have come in contact with water should be cleaned regularly. Standing water can lead to algae, mold, and mildew growth if it is not removed. Mold spores can cause health issues in people who have asthma or allergies. These areas need to be cleaned regularly with bleach or vinegar to prevent these problems from occurring.
7. Utility Boxes
Loose wires, extension cords, electrical devices, and other utility boxes should be cleaned out with an open hose before it rains to avoid possible electrocution or fire hazard. The water inside the chest can cause electrical issues or, worse, fires due to the flammable material in watertight boxes.
8. Attic Floors
Attic floors and other corners of the house can become contaminated if debris, leaves, and other debris from outside make it into the home. This damaged area can lead to mold, mildew, and other health hazards if it is not cleaned before water comes in contact with it.
9. Sinks and Countertops
Kitchen spills inside sinks and near the edge of countertops may be left behind following a flood in your home. These areas can lead to early recolonization within a few days of cleaning, so removing any spots that might allow water to get inside without getting rinsed off first is essential.
10. Changing Areas
In changing areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and lockers, it is essential to clean drains, sinks, and cabinets thoroughly to prevent the spread of bacteria and mildew.
11. Bathroom Floors
Bathroom floors can become contaminated if the water used to clean the bathroom contains anything like feces or urine. When you are done washing your feet, it is essential to use bleach or a similar disinfectant solution to prevent any future problems that may arise from the amount of biological contamination that will occur if human waste enters your home in the future.
Flooding your house can cause much damage and work, especially if water gets into the foundation. The areas of your home that are affected by moisture should be cleaned as soon as possible to avoid any spread of bacteria and mold.
After a flood or other calamity, cleaning specific areas of your home is essential to avoid any health issues arising from these dangerous pathogens. The sooner you start cleaning, the better off you will be in the long run.
A flood can devastate a home, and the proper procedures must be taken to clean it up properly. A good cleaning will prevent mold growth, mildew, bacteria, asthma, and allergies from occurring in your home. After you have cleaned your house, you should also have it inspected by a professional who knows what to look for to prevent further water damage and potential health issues.
