How to Clean a Flooded Basement
Floods often cause extensive damage to basements because they are the lowest rooms in a structure. Excessive water damage in these areas presents a significant problem to homeowners who may already be struggling with basement dampness, humidity and mold issues. However, cleaning this type of space after a flood can be accomplished with time and hard work.
- Purchase N95 face respirators. These masks prevent inhalation of mold spores.
- Remove standing water from the basement. Contact an emergency plumber that offers water removal services. If the water is not extremely deep, a high-powered wet-dry vacuum cleaner may be sufficient for removing standing water. Allow the space to dry before proceeding.
- Try to ventilate the space as much as possible. Open any windows and doors. Portable fans or ceiling fans should be turned on to improve circulation.
- Inspect the basement's walls. Paneled walls or drywall with significant water damage may need to be replaced. Otherwise, clean the walls with a sponge and cleaning spray that contains bleach. Scrub cinderblock walls with a brush, mild detergent and water.
- Clean the floors. Use a mixture of one part vinegar to two parts water to scrub wood, laminate or tiled basement floors. Steam clean carpets and rugs. Carpets with extensive damage or staining may need to be replaced.
- Examine the basement's furniture. Use bleach cleaning spray and a sponge on hard surfaces such as countertops. Clean leather furniture with a leather cleaner. Use mild detergent, water and a rag to clean wood furnishings. Fabric-covered pieces should be steam cleaned, although cloth furniture with severe water damage may not be salvageable.
- Purchase buckets of calcium chloride to place in the basement. This product will absorb extra moisture and help control mold proliferation.