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Flood contents cleaning is an essential part of recovery for residential and commercial properties damaged by external water sources. Professional contents cleaning can restore items damaged by water and mold.
ATI Restoration specializes in all aspects of flood cleanup following:
Differences in climate, terrain, and other factors make some areas of the country more vulnerable to flooding. With 70+ offices nationwide, ATI is well-versed in the challenges faced by the local communities we serve. If your property has been damaged by flooding, our flood damage experts can provide contents cleanings and a complete range of additional services. We respond to emergencies 24/7/365.
Cleaning up after a flood is a specialized process that should be left to professional technicians. Floodwaters may contain harmful pathogens, toxic substances, objects and debris that can cause injury, live electrical wiring and power lines, dangerous wildlife, and other hazards. Improper cleaning methods can cause further damage to the property and contents.
Flood restoration professionals use advanced techniques for cleaning and repairing items in a flooded home or business. These include:
Items in flood-damaged areas of the property need to be evaluated to determine whether they’re salvageable. Contents in need of cleaning and repair are documented in writing and through photographs so a complete inventory can be taken.
During the packout process, contents are safely boxed up and moved to a secondary location for cleaning and repairs. A professional contents cleaning company should handle and transport your belongings with the utmost care.
Our technicians use a wide range of specialized cleaning methods to remove contaminants from flood-damaged contents. The techniques used for flood contents cleaning vary depending on what the item is made of, the nature of the damage, and the severity of the loss. Options include:
Items in need of repair are restored using specialized techniques. Our goal is to get contents back to their original condition, if not better.
Once the items are fully cleaned and restored, they are delivered to your property and put back in their former place. Unsalvageable items are disposed of properly.
The damage from a flood is usually widespread. It is important to hire a company that specializes not only in contents cleaning but all aspects of restoration.
Floods are serious events. They can lead to devastation for homeowners, businesses, and entire communities. Cleaning up after a flood presents a host of different challenges—not the least of which is the danger to human health.
The EPA recommends avoiding physical contact with floodwater due to the presence of “hazardous or toxic substances.” Water with substantial contamination is classified as Category 3 or Black Water by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
Category 3 water should be addressed by specialist water damage restoration technicians certified by the IICRC and trained in Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER). Property owners should keep this in mind when considering the following questions:
Machine washing is often key for cleaning clothes, bedding, furniture covers, and other textiles after a flood. However, the washing machine, dryer, and other appliances should not be used until they can be professionally inspected for damage.
Flooded washers are an electrical hazard. Ideally, the electricity should be turned off until the water recedes and the property is dried out. The washing machine shouldn’t be used until the appliance, the power outlet, and the electrical system are confirmed to be free of water and in good working condition.
Machine washing may be an option for cleaning clothes after a flood if you can safely use the washing machine. Flood-damaged clothing should be washed separately from regular laundry. Before washing, it is important to remove dirt, mud, mildew, and other contaminants. Use hot water and add bleach or another disinfectant to the load.
Floodwaters often contain bacteria, sewage, and other harmful substances. Clothes that were fully submerged in floodwater may need to be treated with advanced cleaning procedures, or thrown away in the case of significant contamination.
Furniture can sustain significant damage in a flood. This includes absorption of floodwater and contaminants, warped and swollen wood, and rust and corrosion of metal components. Waterlogged furniture can be a breeding ground for mold, which can leave stains and stubborn odors.
Minor damage may be addressed by drying out the furniture and gently wiping it down. Non-porous materials like metal and plastic may be cleaned with soap and water, while wood, leather, and upholstery may require more specialized products. Badly damaged furniture may need to be professionally cleaned and repaired or thrown out.
You don’t want to lie down to sleep on a mattress that’s harboring mold and other contaminants. Mattresses and box springs may be salvaged after a flood if they are dried out quickly and vacuumed thoroughly to remove mold spores. However, this is only appropriate if the damage was caused by clean water (defined by the IICRC as Category 1, or water that originates from sanitary sources).
Dishwashers, refrigerators, electric stoves and ovens, washing machines, dryers, water heaters, and other appliances may be saved if flooding was minimal. As mentioned above, no electronics should be plugged in or used until the property is free of standing water and it is confirmed that the flood hasn’t damaged the appliance. If the damage from the flood is severe, appliances may need to be replaced.
Professional flood contents cleaning can restore many items that are water-damaged or contaminated with mold. However, some contents simply won’t be able to survive severe flooding.
A thorough assessment by trained technicians can determine the extent and severity of the flood-related losses. Items that may be unsalvageable and need to be thrown out include:
You shouldn’t automatically assume that all of the items damaged by flooding will need to be thrown away. Qualified content cleaners rely on extensive industry knowledge to identify advanced solutions for restoring and repairing a wide range of objects.
For homeowners, this means they are often able to hold onto most of their belongings after a flood. Commercial property owners, meanwhile, may be able to avoid having to replace essential business items such as equipment, inventory, records, and more.
The answer to this question varies significantly. First, we have to take into account the size of the property. Next comes the determination of damages; the more extensive the flooding, the longer it will take for the property to dry out.
Small areas (1–2 rooms) with clean water may be dried out within a few days. Properties with widespread damage from contaminated water will take longer.
HAZWOPER-certified technicians will inspect the premises and develop a complete strategy for getting the property clean and dry. Professional equipment such as dehumidifiers, water extractors, and air movers can help expedite the drying process.
A swift response is essential after a flood. Acting quickly gives you the best chance of returning to your property without delay and safeguarding the contents. Residential and commercial property owners trust ATI Restoration to help them recover after flooding and other catastrophes.
With 70+ locations, ATI can promptly respond to disasters anywhere in the continental United States. Our experience, training, and industry knowledge enable us to provide comprehensive recovery services—from contents cleaning to complete reconstruction.
Contact ATI Restoration for immediate assistance after a flood. We provide a 24-Hour Emergency Response for residential and commercial properties nationwide.