Which Contents Can Be Cleaned After a Flood?

8/20/2018 (Permalink)

After a flood in Johnson City, TN business and commercial property owners may be curious about which contents can be cleaned and which will need to be discarded and replaced. Nonporous materials tend to be able to withstand the process of content cleaning, but exposure to black water may irreparably damage porous materials.

Can Porous Materials Be Cleaned?

Several types of porous materials call for special cleaning methods or may not be able to be cleaned:

• Carpets and carpet pads
• Rugs
• Mattresses
• Upholstered furniture

Porous materials absorb contaminated floodwater and may be difficult or impossible to clean. Leaving these contents intact may increase the likelihood of microbial exposure or mold growth and lead to undesirable odors.

Content Cleaning Methods

Some porous materials can be cleaned using the following methods:

• Abrasive cleaning involves agitating the surfaces of contents
• Dry cleaning is an effective method of pretreating contents or cleaning delicate materials
• Foam cleaning may be suitable for upholstery to avoid shrinkage
• Immersion cleaning involves dipping items into a cleaning solution
• Spray and wipe cleaning is suitable for items that cannot withstand wet cleaning
• Wet cleaning can help to remove heavier residues

It is a good idea to consult with content restoration experts as soon as possible after flooding occurs. There could be some cases in which these experts may be able to salvage a rug or remove the upholstery and stuffing from furniture and reupholster the item. Other items, such as mattresses, may not stand up to any of these methods and should be replaced.

How To Hire Cleaning Experts

A commercial restoration firm in Johnson City, TN can provide content cleaning services and help owners ensure that the structures of their properties are safe following a flood. Restoration experts may be able to limit the extent of secondary damage caused by black water and make it possible for more contents to be restored. Visit http://www.SERVPROwashingtoncountytn.com for more information on storm damage.