Appliance failure, burst pipes, or even caved in rooftops after heavy rains are common causes to water damage in the home. At least once in their homeowning careers, homeowners are likely to experience this devastating event. The potential mold growth is one of the biggest threats with water damage. To avoid mold growth on the carpets following water damage, we at Steam Magic Carpet Cleaning would like to share some tips.
Can Water Damaged Carpet Be Saved?
Flood dryers can accelerate the drying process following a home flood. Overexposure to mold can cause health problems for some people, with symptoms including nose, eyes throat and/ or lungs irritation, so mold prevention is the number one goal. Also, when breathing airborne mold, hay fever, asthma and allergies can also be triggered. The best solution is to act fast, and call in the professionals, however, if you insist on doing the work yourself, apply the steps below as fast possible.
What Should I Do Immediately after Water Damage?
1) Be prompt with removing the water. Use a wet/ dry vacuum in order to extract as much water as possible. For the layman, these machines are the most effective tools available for removing water. You can usually rent them at a home improvement store if you do not own one. Professionals have powerful equipment to ensure efficient water removal.
2) Expedite the drying time by strategically placing fans. It can take up to several days for the fans to do its work to completely dry a water-damaged area. The more you have the faster it will be. You can help your home circulate fresher air with these fans. Also, these fans need to operate 24 hours a day for 5-7 days or even more. High-power drying fans can also be rented through home improvement stores that offer tool rental service.
3) To help dry out the moisture content, if possible, use a dehumidifier. These machines are designed to remove excess moisture in the air and surfaces, the feels cooler and limits mold and mildew growth. When you utilize any equipment that helps dry out the air and the ground, the drying time for your damaged floors and coverings are sped up.
4) Steam clean salvageable carpets and flooring options. Depending on the exposure, water-damaged carpet padding might need to be replaced, but steam cleaning all carpets to properly sanitize and deodorize can potentially spare you from replacing them. Especially when compared to re-carpeting the whole home, replacing the carpet padding is usually affordable.
5) Sanitize all affected walls and baseboards. You need to clean and sanitize anything that was in contact of the flooded water. Be sure all hard-surface floors walls, and other household surfaces with soap and water. You can go behind the cleaned surfaced and get them sanitized with a solution of 1.5 cups of chlorine bleach to one gallon of water and wearing gloves.
6) Assess the impacted furniture. Remove and inspect any areas should be removed from the area. If you suspect water damage as the residual water can be lingering under rugs and carpets and behind baseboards, be sure to give your home a thorough inspection furniture affected by flooded
Carpet Cleaning, Stain Removal, Water Damage Restoration & More in San Diego, Solana Beach, La Mesa, Mission Valley, La Jolla, Del Mar, Poway, Encinitas & Chula Vista, California
The most effective solution to ensure your home is properly dried, cleaned and sanitized is having a professional take care of the water damage, ultimately. No matter the extent, for efficient water removal and mold prevention, call Steam Magic Carpet Cleaning immediately after your home has been flooded.
