13 Steps to Clean Your House After a Flood

Cleaning a house after a flood is indeed a tiring activity. Moreover, if our house is already in a damp and dirty condition because of stagnant mud. Of course, this will make us more stressed.

Regardless of whether we like it or not, we must keep our house clean to prevent mold and bacteria from growing. Because, these two things have the potential to cause various diseases.

Then, how to clean the house after a flood?

Instead of being confused, consider these 13 practical steps for cleaning the house after the flood hit, let’s go!

Moving Furniture to Clean the House

First, move all home furnishings and electronic equipment that are still in good condition to a safe place. For items that have been damaged and no longer work, you can throw them away.

Cleaning the Residual Water

The next step, you can clean the remaining puddles in and around the house to prevent the emergence of viruses, germs, and bacteria. Make sure you dry up to the corners of the house so that nothing is left.

Digging Mud

After being submerged in water, usually mud will also enter the house. Well, you can overcome this by flushing the floor using clean water. If the dirt has been stuck for too long, use a cleaning fluid and a special descaling liquid.

Cleaning the Floor with Antiseptic

After the floor is clean, you can mop the floor with an antiseptic liquid to kill germs. For maximum results, clean the floor with warm water to remove stubborn crust.

Cleaning the Post-Flood Wall

In addition to the floor, walls are also a part that is difficult to clean after a flood. The reason is that the water has absorbed into the wall and causes spots. So you have to dry, clean, and repaint to prevent mold from developing.

Removing Wallpaper

Indeed, not all dwellings use wall coverings such as wallpaper. However, if you use it, immediately remove the wallpaper to avoid mold. After the wall is dry, you can resurface it with waterproof paint or wallpaper.

Dispose of Contaminated Food

Another important thing that should not be forgotten when cleaning the house after a flood is checking the food storage areas such as refrigerators and kitchen sets. Be sure to throw away whole foods to prevent contamination.

Washing Home Furniture

Furniture that has been exposed to flood water can become a breeding ground for germs. Therefore, you should wash the furniture as soon as possible. Wash carpets, sofas, and closets. Then, dry in the sun to kill germs and bacteria.

Soaking Tableware

Cutlery will be in direct contact with the mouth. Therefore, soak and wash cutlery with warm water and disinfectant before using it. It’s easy, prepare a large container and soak it completely for 30 minutes.

Drying the Furniture

After going through the washing process, dry the furniture in direct sunlight periodically so that there are no germs attached, especially sofas, pillows, and mattresses. In addition, open the windows so that there is good air circulation.

Separate Important Documents

The next stage is to separate important letters, photos, and books that are still in good condition. For documents that have been submerged in water, you can dry them carefully first.

Throwing away the Damaged

In order not to become a nest of germs and bacteria, you have to throw away damaged furniture and household appliances. This applies to all objects that have been submerged for more than 24 hours.

Replacing Home Furniture

After the floor, walls, and room are completely dry, you can put the furniture back in. However, to avoid spreading germs, do extra cleaning by spraying disinfectant.