Of course, this is just one of the many ways water damage could happen. The advantage in this scenario is being able to immediately address the situation before you have a house full of water-damaged furniture or mold growth.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, here’s the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) suggested plan on how to safely salvage water-damaged furniture with short-term water exposure (less than 48 hours) without mold growth:
- Immediately remove the furniture from the water. If possible, also remove it from the room or area where the water damage happened to eliminate further moisture exposure.
- Assess the exposed furniture pieces individually to determine which material category each piece falls into: wood/non-porous surface (e.g., plastic, metal, etc.) or upholstered.
- After making that determination, consult the EPA’s recommended clean-up tips:
- Wood/non-porous surface: Wipe or scrub these pieces with water and a mild cleaning detergent. Finish by thoroughly drying them.
- Upholstered: Remove all water, preferably with a water extraction vacuum. Using dehumidifiers, fans or heaters may help speed up the drying process, but be aware that furniture in this category will probably be the most difficult to completely clean on your own.
With time on your side, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to return your furniture to usable condition with minimal or no damage.
Remember that Rocky Mountain Restoration is available 24/7 to take care of your unexpected water damage. And if you need a good plumber, we know one of those too.
