Accidents happen. A pipe bursts, a dishwasher overflows, an AC system leaks, or a rainstorm comes through the window well. Whatever the cause, if water damages your wood floors it is important to act quickly to minimize the damage. 

 

With proper care and treatment by a professional company like AdvantaClean of Fort Lauderdale plus some of the following at-home tips, you may be able to save your floors. 

 

Extracting bulky Water

 

As soon as possible, remove all of the standing water from the floor using a wet/dry vacuum, we strongly recommend water extraction equipment. If the affected area is large or the water is coming in too quickly to remove with a Vacuum, you may need to bring in professional water removal equipment such as pumps or water extraction equipment.

 

Once all of the water has been removed, prop up any wet furniture on blocks to prevent staining and further damage to your floors. If possible, open doors and windows to allow for air circulation which will also aid in the drying process, or keep the property closed and run the AC in cooling mode to help the dehumidifying process.

 

Cleaning Up

 

Once the bulky water has been extracted, you can begin cleaning up any dirt or debris that may have been brought in with the water. If there is any mud or other heavy residue, you will need to sweep or vacuum it up before proceeding with any other cleaning methods. For light residues, you can use a damp mop or cloth to wipe away any remaining dirt. Avoid using excessive amounts of water when cleaning as this could cause additional damage to your floors. We only reccomend mild water-based cleaning products.

 

Sanitizing Your Floors

 

Any time water enters your home there is a risk of contamination from bacteria or other harmful microorganisms. To help prevent any potential health hazards it is important to sanitize your floors after they have been cleaned. You can do this by mopping the floor with an EPA-approved disinfectant solution. Allow the solution to sit on the floor for at least 10 minutes allowing it to air dry completely.

 

Drying Out the Flooring 

 

After the flooring has been properly cleaned and sanitized, dehumidifiers, dry Mats, and Air Movers need to be professionally set up in the affected areas. This will help to expedite the drying process and prevent any further damage. Daily monitoring of the moisture content and recording in a daily drying log is crucial to reach the desired drying goal.

 

Can you fix the hardwood floor water damage? Can hardwood floors dry out?

 

The answer to both questions is YES, but the process could take longer and needs to be done properly to avoid cupped or swollen hardwood floors. If you have hardwood floors, do not attempt to speed up the drying by using heaters or fans directed at the flooring as this can cause cupping. Water-logged wood expands when heated incorrectly which will ultimately lead to irreversible damage such as warping or cracking. Likewise, avoid walking on wet flooring as this puts unnecessary pressure on already damaged boards which could lead to more extensive damage such as shifting or buckling. Hardwood needs professional drying equipment to be fully restored and professional evaluation to determine the best course of action to dry it out.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Water damage is never fun but with quick action and a professional IICRC-certified company like AdvantaClean on your side, you may be able to save your wood floors before they are beyond repair. 

 

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