Unexpected natural disasters may harm your home’s contents, including furnishings. If flooding occurs with ample warning, the furniture in your home can be relocated to areas where flood waters are less likely to reach. Floodwaters convey a swarm of illnesses and germs in any case. Natural floods, like those caused by hurricanes or heavy rainstorms, release huge amounts of toxins into the areas they affect. Bacteria such as coliform and E. coli, sewage water, chemicals, and heavy metals can all be found in areas near manufacturing companies. When your home floods, bacteria from the floodwaters infiltrate your home and property.
Dealing With Water Damaged Furniture
Here are some flood cleanup measures to follow to save your furnishings.
Cleansing
Floodwaters are typically accompanied by dirt and filth. Wipe your furniture down with a gentle cloth or brush. Instead of rubbing the dirt in, brush it away with soft strokes. You may need to use water to loosen any tenacious dirt. Then, using a dry cloth, dry your furniture.
Dry everything out.
You should make every attempt to dry off your furnishings as soon as possible. Keep it protected to avoid the damp wood from splitting and warping. If there is still standing water present in your home or if your flooring is soggy, push your furniture up with bricks or blocks. You can use dehumidifiers or fans to help circulate the air and speed up the drying process. Avoid using heat to dry your furniture (hair dryers, irons) as this will damage the wood.
Remove any cabinet doors and drawers to help the drying process. These may become stuck as a consequence of the wood swelling as a result of the water. If they become lodged, do not force them out; instead, examine them often as the swelling subsides so that they can eventually be removed while the drying process is completed.
Control mildew and mold.
Regrettably, the wet environment created by floodwater is ideal for mold and mildew growth. Mildew and mold spores are everywhere and thrive in any moist, warm area. As a result, keep an eye on your furniture as it dries. Mildew or mold will grow on furniture that has been exposed to dampness for longer than 48 hours. You’ll need to remove it with a damp cloth dipped in a mild soapy water solution. Alternatively, you can combine white water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spray it on your furniture before wiping it clean.
Upholstered furniture.
Upholstered furniture that has been wet in floodwaters will almost probably need to be reupholstered. Upholstery made of leather or vinyl is frequently more resistant to water damage than upholstery made of fabric. You can try to dry it first, but if the furniture smells musty or has major water stains, you will almost likely need to resort to more invasive treatments.
Veneers and adhesives.
Flood damage may cause veneers on your furniture to peel away. Furthermore, any glued-together furniture may begin to dissolve as a result of water, causing the glue to crumble. To maintain the longevity of your furniture, you should engage a professional by visiting this link to assist you in performing repairs and installing new veneers.
Conclusion
Most furniture that has suffered minor water damage can be saved using the procedures detailed below. However, substantial damage has occurred in a few cases, resulting in warping, cracking, or severe mildew and mold growth. In these circumstances, engage a professional furniture restoration company to examine and restore your furniture to its original state.