When a flood damages your rental property, you must take action to salvage as many of your renters’ belongings as possible. However, floodwaters present hazards that you cannot ignore. Therefore, before you rush into the apartments, make a plan prioritizing safety. Here is a three-step plan to clean household items and clothing when you have to handle water in your home
1. How To Address Water in Your Home
Standing water is often the first obstacle when you arrive at your rental property after a flood. First, shut off the water main, especially If you have a broken pipe. If the water is more than a few inches deep, you may have to wait for it to disperse on its own or have it pumped out from low areas. If you still have power, run fans and dehumidifiers to help dry out the building. If you are without power, rent or buy a generator.
2. How To Deal with Furniture and Appliances
Unfortunately, you must throw out items such as mattresses, couches and any fabric-covered furniture. These items cannot dry out enough to be saved. While not furniture, you should also remove all wet drywall. Appliances like washers, dryers and refrigerators should be disinfected and propped open to dry. You can usually save wooden furniture if you get to it quickly; remove it from standing water and let it dry.
3. How To Clean Clothing
Among your renters’ most important and expensive belongings are their clothes. The key is to wash everything in hot water, especially sheets and towels. And then dry them on high heat or hang them outside, weather permitting. The heat from the washing and drying will kill microorganisms. After that, you can take the dry cleaning to the cleaners.
Water in your home can cause severe damage. Fortunately, All American Water Restoration restoration professionals can help you recover and restore much of your rental property in Orlando, FL.