Floods put homes and businesses at risk every year. These occurrences can be devastating, and seeing your valuables being damaged by water can be overwhelming. Nonetheless, you never know when such a disaster will strike, hence the need to be equipped with the right cleaning equipment. Also, stagnant water in the home can pose health hazards to your loved one, and knowing how to clear the mess goes a long way.
What cleaning equipment should include in my cleaning checklist?
Floodwaters may contain raw sewage and other harmful elements like pesticides and fuel. It would help if you had the right supplies and cleaning equipment to stay safe. You require essential cleaning tools like pumps to eliminate the pooling water. However, there are different types of pumps. If unsure of what to pick, contact Pumpbiz for guidance. Also, a shovel will come in handy. It’ll help remove mud residue accumulation on your floors. Other cleaning accessories required are;
- Bleach
- Antibacterial soap
- Laundry detergent
- White distilled vinegar
- Buckets
- Squeegee
- Paper towels
- Broom
- Mop
- First Aid supplies
Here’s how to go about cleaning after a flood:
1. Inspection first!
Examine your home for damages and standing water around the foundation. Check for animal intruders and snakes in all the rooms. If there’s pooling water around the foundation, don’t go in. This can pose a safety threat. If there’s no stagnant water, check for loose power lines and cables and note any smells of leaking gas or rotten egg smells. If such odors are present, locate the shut-off valves outside and turn them off. Take photos and document fallen trees and damaged buildings and driveways.
2. Wear protective gear
Stagnant waters and residue left behind elements can cause infections and diseases. Wear protective clothing to stay safe while cleaning. These include;
- Rubber soled-closed shoes
- Long sleeves
- Full-length pants
- Rubber/Latex gloves
- Face mask- In case there’s mold
3. Scrub the surfaces
Clean all your surfaces with water and disinfectant. Scrub the floors, wall tiles, ceilings, cupboards, shelves, any other areas that need cleaning. Remove all the furnishings like carpets and curtains and wash them thoroughly using a disinfectant.
4. Clean your appliances
Call a licensed electrician to inspect your appliances after the flood. This is a crucial step since your insurance company will require a detailed report of the damages. Now it’s time to clean them up. Unplug all the appliances and discard the contents.
Disinfect using a water-bleach solution. Floodwaters contain harmful pathogens, and you want to get your things disinfected appropriately. Only use bleach, and don’t substitute this with baking soda or vinegar. Use paper towels to dry them up.
5. Aerate your rooms
Open all windows to eliminate moisture from the home interiors. Use a humidifier or hire a professional humidifier to stop condensation in the home.
Moreover, examine your belongings and see what you can keep and what to discard.
In summary
A flood in a property can cause a lot of stress to the property owner. Clean up thoroughly and disinfect all parts of the home interiors. Document all the damages resulting from the floods and file a claim with your insurance company.
