Flood Damage Cleanup: Wrapping It Up
This article talks about the basics of flood damage cleanup, specifically the cleaning up portion of a complete flood damage cleanup operation. Such an operation, when done by professionals or by well-advised DIY (Do-It-Yourself) household members, start off with water evacuation, an inspection of the affected premises, and implementation of safety procedures. Including the aforementioned steps would make this article longer than intended. Hence, focus will be made on the finishing-up stages of a complete operation.
This article will, in particular, focus on drying up techniques, disinfection, and actual cleaning, not necessarily in that order.
Disinfection
An important component of a complete flood damage cleanup operation typically would include disinfection. This is the elimination of microorganisms that includes bacteria and viruses that might have either been carried by the floodwaters or simply have sprouted due to the prolonged staying of dirty water. This also includes the ever-present water-loving fungi: mold and mildew.
Some viruses, bacteria and most fungi cannot be eradicated by soap and detergents alone. You should relegate these products to cleaning purposes only. The most effective, economical but very reliable all-in-one solution is a mixture of bleach and water. A typical solution would be comprised of 25% bleach although other sources can mention varying proportions. This can be mopped or brushed over surfaces that have been in contact with floodwaters.
A less popular disinfectant is rock salt. This can be used to eliminate odor causing bacteria. Care must be enforced when using salt as a disinfectant since it can damage certain surfaces.
Cleaning
Most floodwaters carry mud, silt, and various forms of debris. To effect a thorough flood damage cleanup process, a pressurized hose can be employed. This can be aided with brushes and mops. To loosen up those that have toughened on certain surfaces, application of soaps and detergents should do the trick.
Drying
Once the area has been thoroughly disinfected and cleaned, it is now ready for drying, the final stage of a typical flood damage cleanup process. Nowadays, drying can be hastened in a variety of ways. More economical methods include the use of industrial fans. It is never advisable to simply let the surface dry up on its own. If the high humidity stays in an area for an extended period, it would surely cause the growth of harmful mold and mildew.
More sophisticated methods include the use of expensive equipment that can either be bought or rented. These equipment include dehumidifiers and air movers. Air movers are ultra-strong fans that can drastically cut down the drying time. On the other hand dehumidifiers are mainly used to bring down the relative humidity of the area. This can provide for the necessary environment for rapid evaporation. Because of their specific features, the two equipments are usually employed side by side to have a more efficient flood damage cleanup operation.
Flood damage cleanup might be a very laborious task but with the right equipment and sufficient knowledge, the time duration for performing such a process can be dropped substantially.
Gayelord Nash is a water service advocate for Flood Damage Cleanup San Francisco, CA and Detroit Flood Damage Cleanup
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