When flooding occurs in your home, your building structure, personal belongings and even health can be affected. Even the smallest amount of floodwater contains contaminant, dirt and debris that can ruin your home. After a flood, call your insurance agent and document any flood damage. Then, follow these steps to clean and sanitize your home and belongings properly.
1. Wear protective clothing including rubber gloves, rubber boots and a face mask.
2. Shovel out as much contaminated mud as you can, then hose away remaining mud from hard surfaces.
3. Clean and disinfect all surfaces with hot water, heavy-duty cleaner, and germ disinfectant or bleach/water solution.
4. Immerse dishes and dinnerware in bleach/hot water solution and let air dry – do not use a towel.
5. Disinfect silverware, pots and pans in boiling water for 10 minutes – do not use bleach as it will react with the metals.
6. Take furniture, rugs, bedding and clothing outside to dry.
7. Remove moisture and circulate air by opening windows and using an air conditioner, dehumidifier and fans.
8. Vacuum floors, ceilings and walls to remove mildew, then wash with disinfectant.
9. Throw away mattresses, toys, stuffed animals, food, beverages and medicine exposed to floodwater and mud.
10. Get photos, books and important papers cleaned professionally.
11. Remove wallboard, plaster and paneling to at least the flood level, and treat insulation accordingly.
12. Shut off the electrical system and hire an electrician to inspect and repair the system properly.
13. Get heating and cooling systems inspected and cleaned.
14. Get electronics and appliances professionally cleaned to avoid damage or shock.
15. Pump out a flooded basement gradually (about one-third of the water per day) to avoid structural damage. If the water is pumped out completely in a short period of time, pressure from water-saturated soil on the outside could cause basement walls to collapse.
16. Remove vinyl, linoleum and carpet and let subflooring dry thoroughly.
17. Clean and dry carpets and rugs as soon as possible.
18. If sewage-contaminated floodwater covered your carpeting, or if the carpet was underwater for 24 hours or more, discard it for health safety reasons.
19. Dry wood floors gradually to avoid cracking or splitting.
20. Have a professional inspect and repair your roof if necessary.
21. Service damaged/flooded sewage systems.
