How To Care For Wet Items

12/20/2018 (Permalink)

Air movers and dehumidifiers on water damage in Danbury, CT

Contents in a home that has sustained water damage may be capable of being cleaned, dried, and restored. Water in home specialists can recommend cleaning methods and identify which items will need to be replaced. The following steps are necessary to care for most wet items.

Rinsing

If a non-porous or semi-porous item is still wet, it is probably safe to rinse. There are several suitable methods, including:

• Hosing an item down with fine spray
  
• Rinsing an item with clean water
  
• Cleaning debris off of an item with a soft brush or damp cloth
  

These methods can be used on items capable of withstanding further exposure to water or light abrasion. Other cleaning methods may be preferable for delicate or porous items.

Alternative Cleaning Methods

Artwork, books, or documents may require specialized cleaning methods. Consult with cleanup professionals to determine the best approach. Several approaches include:

• Allowing items to dry, covering with a screen, and vacuuming off debris
  
• Dry cleaning
  
• Freeze drying to allow moisture to vaporize
  

Rely on the expertise of professionals who specialize in restoring water-damaged items. Delicate materials may not be able to withstand conventional cleaning and drying methods.

Drying

Once all excess water in home has been removed, the next step is to allow building materials and contents to air dry. Specialists may recommend the use of equipment such as:

• Air movers
  
• Fans
  
• Dehumidifiers
  

These appliances promote ventilation or draw moisture out of the air and porous materials. This can reduce the likelihood of mold growth.

It is important to clean and dry building materials and contents exposed to water in home. Start by contacting a plumber to fix a broken pipe, or an appliance repair service in Danbury, CT. As soon as a homeowner has addressed the cause of the water damage, it is time to clean and dry the affected area and wet items.