When the floodwaters have receded and you are able to return to your home, the clean-up process begins. Once you are inside, move about your home slowly. Have sufficient lighting to watch for loose floorboards, sagging ceiling plaster, or floors and walls that are out of alignment. At first the clean-up job may appear hopeless, but don't let the sight of your damaged property cause you to immediately throw-away things. Often times, many things can be salvaged if restoration steps are undertaken right away.

The Drying Process

If you have a basement, it should be drained and cleaned as soon as possible. However, don't pump the water out before the surrounding floodwaters have receded.

Flood engineers recommend that if you haven't yet evacuated and water begins to seep into your basement, don't drain it. Draining the water before the floodwaters have receded may cause foundation damage.

Open all doors, windows, and closets, as well as all roof, attic, eaves, and other vents. The more air you can get to circulate, the better. Any dirt, mud, and debris should be promptly wiped off or washed out.

Maintain building temperature at 15 degrees higher than the outside temperature. Be sure to have your heating system thoroughly checked prior to its use.

To dry areas between walls, remove the baseboards and drill or punch holes in the wall about two inches from the floor.

If you have carpeting, remove as much water as possible with a water vacuum. Loosen the diagonal corners of the carpet and install fans to facilitate drying, although not the fastest method, it will prevent shrinkage. Note: If your carpeting was exposed to saltwater, it must be thoroughly flushed with fresh water prior to drying.

Walls

Wet drywall and plaster are soft to the touch. It is important to wait until the walls are dry before trying to clean them. To eliminate odors, wash the walls with a mixture of one-pint household bleach per five gallons of water. If you encounter an odor problem in a small, enclosed area, use dry, lump charcoal in open containers to absorb substances from the air.

Floors

Before your home is completely dry, it is important to wipe-down doors, floors, woodwork, and wood paneling with a mixture of mild, non-sudsy detergent. Do this before the wood is completely dry to prevent staining.

Furniture

Take wooden furniture outside to the carport or garage. Do not expose wooden furniture to direct sunlight. Remove as many of the drawers and other movable parts as possible. If the drawers are swollen shut, don't force or pry them open from the front. Instead, remove the back and push out the drawers from the back. Clean out mud and debris.

Elevate furniture with casters or metal caps on the legs (use pieces of wood or aluminum foil) to avoid staining. Pool tables and pianos very seldom survive submergence.

Upholstered furniture and mattresses soaked with floodwaters are usually damaged beyond repair. Seek professional dry-cleaning advice immediately.

Utensils

All utensils must be scoured; unpolished surfaces may be scoured with fine steel wool. Aluminum may be brightened by using vinegar, cream of tartar, and hot water.

Clothing and Linens

All laundry items should be quickly separated to prevent colors from fading. Items should be brushed and shaken to remove surface dirt and then rinsed in lukewarm water to remove lodged soil. Finally, items should be washed with a mild detergent in lukewarm water and dried in the sunlight. Consider the use of professional laundries if they are available.

If an item is marked "dry clean only," allow it to dry slowly, away from direct heat. Before sending the article to the dry cleaner, brush and vacuum loose dirt from the item.

Mildew is another issue you might encounter. Sun and air will retard mold growth; items affected by mildew should be treated outside. First, the loose mold should be brushed and vacuumed off all of the affected items. If mildew remains, sponge lightly with thick soapsuds using as little water as possible. Wipe with a clean, damp cloth. Finally, wipe the fabric with a cloth wrung out in a solution of one cup rubbing alcohol to one cup of water.

Food

Discard all food exposed to flood water except those sealed in metal cans. After removing labels from cans, wash them in soap and water, then immerse in a solution of water and bleach for at least two minutes. Refresh solution regularly.

Appliances, Motors, and Furnaces

It is advisable to have motors, pumps, washing machines, televisions, radios, and other household equipment inspected and reconditioned by an experienced electrician. Refrigerators, stoves, and ovens should be thoroughly cleaned and deodorized using one teaspoon of baking soda to one quart of water.

Books

Store saturated books in a freezer or frozen food locker for "freeze drying." This will dry the books with minimal damage and prevent mildew. If you are unable to freeze dry books, stand them on end with pages separated. Sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder between the pages. After drying for a period of time, close the books and stack them to press the pages. Brush off the excess cornstarch or talcum and just before the pages are completely dry, apply a little heat between the pages (hairdryer).