Recovering from flood damage can become a lengthy process. From sorting through your belongings to clearing away waste materials, each step is essential to maintaining the health of the home. Thankfully, not everything has to be thrown out. Consider the following to determine which items are salvageable and which ones are not.

3 Ways to Save Belongings After a Flood

1. Take Precautions

Floodwaters can contain any number of bacteria, and coming into direct contact could put you and your loved ones at risk. Wear plastic gloves and cover your arms and legs. Secure a dust mask over your face to prevent breathing in harmful particles. When moving delicate or soggy items, protect them from further damage by sliding a thin piece of plywood or fabric underneath.

2. Sort Carefully

The easiest way to identify salvageable items is by determining how easy they are to clean. For instance, plastic bins, glass vases, and metal cabinets are materials that should be simple to restore.

However, if the items show signs of extreme damage or irreversible discoloration, dispose of them properly. They may have come into contact with sewage spills or fuel oil and could contain any number of toxic chemicals.

3. Clean Thoroughly

Start by running clean water through fabrics to remove loose debris. Prewash them in cool water with a heavy-duty detergent before sending them through a regular cycle on the hottest temperature.

Hose down any solid materials to remove the first layer of buildup. Soak a sponge in a solution of warm water and detergent, scrubbing down the surfaces until they look like new. Leave them out to dry completely before bringing them back into the house.

If you need flood damage restoration, contact The Dry Boys of Cook & DuPage County. They offer a vast selection of home restoration services throughout Lyons, IL, and utilize state-of-the-art equipment for every job. Each technician undergoes training for water removal, drying, and dehumidification and has received full certification in disaster recovery techniques. Learn more about the services they provide by visiting their website. Call (708) 381-1375 to request an estimate.