Australia Storm Book

After The Storm - 16

Cleaning Carpet and Floors

General

Cleaning water-soaked carpets and floors is a difficult chore in itself, but in the aftermath of a major storm, contamination by mud, silt, sewage, and mildew can compound the problem. It's best to get professional cleaners to work on carpets and floors, if possible, particularly if sewage is involved. In any case, begin cleanup as soon as possible.

Tips

If the carpet doesn't feel wet but you suspect the subfloor is, pull up one or two corners of the carpet to check.

Pull up wet carpets and rugs and drape them outdoors.

Hose carpets down. With a broom, work a low-sudsing, disinfectant carpetcleaning product deep into soiled spots.

To discourage mildew and odors, rinse with a solution of two tablespoons bleach to one gallon water. DON'T USE THIS SOLUTION ON WOOL CARPETS.

To avoid further mildew problems and shrinkage, dry carpet and floor thoroughly before replacing carpet. Use fans, vacuum cleaners, and dehumidifiers to speed the drying.

Waffle-weave and foam or rubber-type pads may be reused, depending on their condition and the amount and type of flooding.

Sections of subfloors that separate must be replaced to avoid buckling. When floor coverings are removed, allow subfloors to dry thoroughly, even though it may take several months. Moisture or high humidity may attract termites and carpenter ants.

In wood floors, remove a board every few feet to reduce buckling caused by swelling. Ask a carpenter for tips on removing tongue-and-groove boards.

Clean and dry floor thoroughly before attempting repairs.

In vinyl floors with wood subflooring, the floor covering should be removed so the subflooring can be replaced. With concrete floors, removal isn't necessary except to hasten drying of the slab.

Loose tiles may be replaced individually if the floor hasn't been soaked. If water has seeped under sheet flooring, remove the entire sheet.

While cleaning, wash exposed skin frequently in purified water. Wear rubber gloves for extra protection against contamination.

 

 

 

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