Some useful tips and do’s and don’ts when it comes to the big clean up after a flood.
Food
The only safe food will be canned food which is undamaged. This is because flood water contains diseased germs from raw sewage. The cans must be properly cleaned and sanitized and also properly dried to prevent corrosion.
The following must be disposed of if they have come into contact with flood water:
All contents of your fridge/freezer
All cheese, meat, fish, fruits and vegetables
Jars and bottled drinks
Toiletries, make-up and medicines
Floors
Floors obviously get the brunt of it. So to prepare for the cleaning, firstly remove all furniture. Then take up the carpet or other floor covering. It is important to take carpets up as soon as possible so as not to distort the floor, which in turn will obviously increase repair costs. Wash and disinfect floors and let dry. Carpets cannot be successfully cleaned without professional help and it is probably only worth saving expensive ones.
Walls
Clean walls above the flood line as soon as you can to prevent growth of microbes which can cause health issues. Clean all surfaces using bleach and detergent.
Electrical Equipment
Do not use until equipment has been checked by an electrician. Old equipment and cheap equipment may not be worth attempting to have fixed.
What to keep and what to bin
Discard inexpensive items that have been soaked. There is no point in trying to save cheap furniture. Spend your time on your antiques and solid wood furniture. Clean and disinfect items and leave to dry in a well ventilated area.
Beds and Bedding
Do not attempt to keep and clean your mattress as they are too difficult and mould will set in. Wash bedding using a little in the cycle. Pillows are best discarded, they cannot be cleaned as they will almost certainly be harbouring bacteria.