Suggestions For Cleaning A Flooded Basement
A flooded basement can be devastating and the cause to a loss of many important items. A vast majority of people use their basements as storage space for seasonal items, paperwork and other items that have lost a place in the main living areas. When the flooding happens, you can contact a specialist or you can do the cleanup on your own. Doing the work yourself may be quicker than waiting for assistance. It is a lot of work, but not that difficult to complete.
You will need to evaluate where liquid is coming from. A majority of floods are due to backed up drains or the result of water coming from the outside of your home being flooded and the liquid has seeped into the area. The important thing is to get the water out. Using a dry wet vacuum, such as a shop vac will do a good job of soaking up most if not all of the water.
After getting up as much liquid as possible, you will need to remove the items that do not have severe damage. If you have cardboard boxes, sort through them before removing from the basement. To restore the items put them in plastic containers as opposed to cardboard to avoid more damage should you experience another flooding. Remember to completely dry any items before placing in plastic containers to avoid mold building up on them.
While you are in the basement now is a good time to get in some general cleaning. To remove any cobwebs in corners or on the ceiling use a Dyson upright vacuum cleaner with attachments. Clean all glass and windows with a solution of vinegar and water to put a stop to dust buildup.
Do not plug any cords into outlets that were affected by the water. If the floors still have dampness to them use a delonghi space heater directed at the floor or walls to thoroughly dry. Removing any moisture will prevent mold from forming in hidden areas.
After thoroughly cleaning the entire area consider using a water proofing paint on the walls to prevent any future damage. When paint has dry and the basement is completely cleared out and clean you can replace the items now in plastic containers back in the basement.
Should you find out the flood was due to backed up drains contact a plumber. The plumber will be able to repair any damaged pipes and recommend future preventions. If you discovered the backup was due to a covered floor drain remove anything from the area of the drain that could potentially result in another flooding.