After A Flood: How To Deal With Flooded Furniture

Unexpected natural disasters might destroy your home’s contents, even furnishings. The furniture in your home can be moved to regions where floodwaters are less likely to reach if flooding happens with adequate warning. In either instance, floodwaters carry a swarm of diseases and germs. Like those induced by hurricanes or strong rainstorms, natural floods push significant amounts of contaminants into the places they impact. Bacteria like coliform and E. coli, sewage water, chemicals, and heavy metals can be found in communities with manufacturing plants. When your home floods, bacteria from the floodwaters enter your home and property.

Dealing With Water Damaged Furniture

Here are some easy measures to take after a flood to save your furniture.

Cleansing

Floodwaters are frequently accompanied by mud and filth. With a soft cloth or brush, wipe down your furniture. Avoid rubbing the dirt in; instead, use gentle strokes to sweep it away. You may need to use water to loosen any stubborn dirt. Then, using a dry cloth, dry your furniture or hire a professional by visiting this website. 

Dry everything out.

You should make every effort to dry off your furnishings as quickly as possible. Keep it sheltered to prevent the damp wood from cracking and warping. If there is still some water in your home or if your flooring is damp, prop your furniture up with bricks or blocks. You can use fans or dehumidifiers to assist in circulating the air and expediting the drying process. Avoid using heat to dry your furniture (hair dryers, irons) since this will damage the wood.

To aid in the drying process, remove any cabinet doors and drawers. These may become stuck due to the wood swelling as a result of the water. If they become trapped, do not force them out; instead, examine them frequently as the swelling subsides so that they can eventually be removed while the drying process is completed.

Control mildew and mold.

Regrettably, the damp environment caused by floodwater is ideal for mold and mildew growth. Mildew and mold spores are ubiquitous and thrive in any moist, warm environment. Therefore, keep an eye on your furniture as it dries. If your furniture has been exposed to moisture for more than 48 hours, you will encounter mildew or mold. You’ll need to remove it with a moist 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 soaked in floodwaters will almost certainly need to be reupholstered. Upholstery made of leather or vinyl is often more resistant to water damage than upholstery made of fabric. You can attempt to dry it first, but if the furniture smells musty or has significant water stains, you will almost certainly need to resort to more invasive measures.

Veneers and adhesives.

Flood damage may result in peeling away any veneers on your furniture. Additionally, any furniture that is glued together may begin to disintegrate because water can cause the glue to crumble. To ensure the longevity of your furniture, you’ll want to hire the best services for property restoration Buffalo has to offer to assist you in making repairs and installing new veneers.

Conclusion

Most furniture that has sustained light flood damage can be salvaged using the outlined procedures. However, excessive damage has been done in rare instances, resulting in warping, cracking, or serious mildew and mold growth. In these cases, hire a professional furniture restoration business to assess and restore your furniture’s original state.