3 Ways To Care For Water-Damaged Contents

11/11/2021 (Permalink)

This home had a massive amount of water damage. It causes some debris to fall on the floor, causing a lot to be cleaned up and restored.

3 Methods For Cleaning Water-Damaged Contents

Water in your home can ruin your property. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may attempt to restore items on your own or hire experts for the best results. Here are three ways to care for water-damaged items.

1. Clean the Contents

If you are dealing with water damage caused by clean water from a broken pipe, you only need to dry the wet objects. However, it is important to clean items that have been exposed to contaminated water that contains chemicals, microbes, or solid waste. Non-porous items are the easiest to rinse thoroughly and disinfect.

Delicate porous contents such as art, documents, or books call for a different approach. Clean off as much debris as possible with a damp cloth or soft brush, depending on the material. You can also allow the materials to dry and use a window screen and vacuum attachment to remove debris without causing damage. Avoid grinding in debris, as this will result in secondary damage. Ask restoration experts about dry cleaning and other specialized methods.

2. Air Dry Contents

It is a good idea to get rid of as much water in the home as possible prior to drying the contents. Lay items out on a dry surface in a room with indirect fans or a dehumidifier. You can also dry contents outside, but exposure to direct sunlight can cause further damage.

3. Replace Damaged Items

It may not be possible to restore some water-damaged contents. So determine the value of each item, and choose the most cost-effective approach. Entrust rare items to professionals with access to a full range of restoration methods, including vacuum freeze-drying.

You may cause more damage by attempting to restore delicate or valuable contents on your own. Factor in the amount of water in the home and the value of damaged items to decide whether to contact damage restoration professionals in Falmouth, ME.