Dealing with the aftermath of a flooded home isn’t easy, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can make the cleanup and disinfection process easier and safer.
Gather your materials.
– You’ll need a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, a bucket, a mop, cleaning rags, and bleach or a commercial disinfectant.
Remove standing water.
– Using the wet/dry vacuum cleaner, remove as much standing water as possible. Be sure to wear gloves and a mask when doing this, as the water may be contaminated with sewage.
Clean up the mess.
– Once the standing water is removed, clean up any remaining mess. Wipe down surfaces with a cleaning rag and a solution of bleach or a commercial disinfectant. Be sure to rinse surfaces thoroughly with clean water afterward.
Disinfect the area.
– Once the area is clean, disinfect it with a solution of bleach or a commercial disinfectant. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper dilution and application.
Ventilate the area.
– Once the area is disinfected, open windows and doors to ventilate the space. This will help to remove the smell of sewage and prevent mold growth.
Hire a professional.
– If the sewage backup is significant or you’re not comfortable cleaning it up yourself, hire a professional sewage cleanup service. They have the experience and equipment to safely and effectively clean up sewage backups.
Additional tips for disinfecting your basement after a sewer backup:
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Wear gloves and a mask when cleaning up sewage.
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Be sure to rinse surfaces thoroughly with clean water after cleaning them.
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Ventilate the area well after cleaning to prevent mold growth.