How To Care for Wet Items After You’ve Had Water Damage

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

When a disaster hits, such as a massive storm or a broken pipe, and there’s water in the home, don’t forget about saving valuables and keepsakes. Mold and mildew start to form in as little as 24 to 48 hours after water exposure. Here are a few suggestions to help you restore your cherished household items.

General Cleaning Tips

Rinse wet items with clean water.
Brush off debris from dry items or use a damp cloth to brush the dirt away.
Dry items indoors as the sun and outdoor heat may be too intense.
Reduce moisture in the air with a dehumidifier or open windows and run fans.
Wear proper safety gear, such as gloves and masks, when dealing with water in the home.

Photographs
Carefully take photos out of paper or plastic envelopes. It may be easier to cut the envelope away from the picture so you don’t risk tearing it. Don’t pull apart wet photos or negatives that are stuck to each other. Submerge them in clean water until they come away from each other. Dry photographs by hanging them or laying them on a flat surface.

Documents
Place the paper in a sturdy container; stack them carefully so they aren’t compressed too much. Put the boxes in a freezer set to the lowest temperature. It may take weeks or months for the papers to dry completely.

Textiles
Water can seriously damage fabric and leather. Allow them to air dry before removing any dirt and debris. Rinse material with clean water and gently blot with towels to remove the excess water. Replace any water-logged stuffing or padding. Take take rugs and window treatments in for dry cleaning as you normally would.
When in doubt, contact a professional water restoration company in Lowell, MA. They know how to repair and restore damage caused by water in the home and have the equipment and training to make the process easier for you.