Basement Cleaning
Your basement can be ground zero for problems related to water and mold damage,
and for obvious reasons. Basements are by their very definition the lowest
level of any structure. Combine that with the fact that water loves to run
downhill, and bingo, the stage is set for water and mold damage
problems. In the wake of water damage in your
basement, there are a few common sense steps that need to be taken in order
to make sure that the cleanup process proceeds smoothly and without further
issues.
First off, take proper precautions when working in and
around the flood waters caused by excessive water damage. The
water may very likely be contaminated, especially if the spill is the result of
a sewage
backup. So wear protective clothing, boots, waterproof gloves, and masks.
Take pictures and video of the damaged area, as this may prove invaluable for
insurance purposes. Remove as many loose, damaged items as you can. Uncluttering
the area will make cleanup easier.
Turn off the power. Water and electricity do not mix. Trust
us on this one. Do not turn the power back on until the cleanup process is
complete, and then only after approval from a qualified electrician.
You can remove standing water with towels, buckets, shop
vacs, or sump pumps. Don’t make the common mistake of trying to use your
regular vacuum cleaner to remove water; you will only trash your vacuum. Again,
trust us on this.
Fans and other air moving devices as well as dehumidifiers
can be used to dry the affected area. Close doors to the area, since you don’t
want any mold that may be present to be spread to the other part of the home.
The basement cleaning
area will need to be thoroughly dried out and all affected surfaces cleaned,
disinfected, and sanitized. If humidity levels are a problem, install a couple
of dehumidifying units to bring those levels down within acceptable limits.
If you don’t have water in your basement now, it may be only
a matter of time. Be proactive and check to make sure that all exterior drains
are unclogged and in good operating condition. The landscaping around your home
should also slope away from the structure for a distance of no less than ten
feet, but ideally more. In the event of a sudden deluge, you want water flowing
away from your home, not towards it!
For full and complete basement cleaning
service, contact the pros at The CleanUP Guys!
