What to Save and What to Discard of Following a Flood

A flood can be a devastating occurrence, whether to a business or a home. In addition to damaged floors and walls, there is unavoidable damage that will impact furniture and other items as well. Some of these items may have particular significance or sentimental value and leave you wondering if they can be salvaged. While are best tossed for safety reasons, there are many things that you are able to save following water damage.

Flood-Damaged Furniture

Furniture is often among the most expensive investments within a home or business, and when possible you’ll want to save it. Many types of office furniture comprised of metal and glass can obviously be saved with a good wipe down. Other types of furniture, however, are a bit trickier. The ability to save solid wood furniture, for instance, will hinge largely on how long it was exposed to water. For these pieces, allowing them to fully dry (a process that can take several days or even weeks) will be the only way to truly determine their viability.

Upholstered furniture is a different story. While the frames may be just fine, the padding and fabric should be completely replaced, as it can continue to harbor dangerous bacteria and mold.

Water-Damaged Documents and Photos

Generally, it is easy to tell at a glance if paper documents or photos must be trashed. It is, of course, wise to back up all important documents digitally and keep hard copies in a water and fire-proof container. Digitally saving old photos is a great idea as well. Fortunately, even if the water-damaged, original copies are all you have, a photo restoration expert can often help bring them back to life.

Flooded Carpets and Rugs

Unless you have a priceless rug or family heirloom, it’s best to toss out any carpet or rugs that have been exposed to flood waters. Even after thorough cleaning, they could still harbor bacteria from gas, oil, or sewage. If you are attempting to save a carpet of some kind, consult with experts to make sure it is cleaned and preserved properly and fully decontaminated before placing it back indoors.

Water-Logged Bedding

Never try to save a mattress that has been exposed to flood waters. In most cases, pillows should be tossed as well. While some can be cleaned, replacing them with new is most likely preferable to the concern that you’re lying your head on a contaminated pillow each night. With most bedding such as sheets and blankets likely being made of cotton, they should be able to be thoroughly cleaned and saved.

Restoration After a Flood

From preserving your important documents to restoring what flood waters have destroyed, Guarantee Restoration has you and the contents of your home or business covered. Whether you are looking for the security of knowing all will be take care of in the event of water damage or you have recently endured a flood, give us a call to learn how our team of experts can help.