Assessing and Dealing with Specific Damage During Water Damage Cleanup

How to Disinfect Wood after a Flood

Water damage can be a devastating event for homeowners, and it’s important to take steps to clean up and repair the damage as quickly as possible. One of the most difficult tasks is disinfecting wood, which can be a breeding ground for mold and bacteria.

Here are some tips on how to disinfect wood after a flood:

• Remove all standing water. This can be done with a wet/dry vacuum or a mop and bucket.
• Open windows and doors to air out the area. This will help to dry the wood and prevent mold growth.
• Remove any damaged wood. This includes any wood that is cracked, splintered, or has holes in it.
• Clean the wood with a bleach solution. Mix one part bleach to 10 parts water in a bucket. Use a sponge or cloth to apply the solution to the wood, and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. Rinse the wood with clean water and let it dry completely.
• Apply a wood preservative. This will help to protect the wood from future damage.

If you are not comfortable disinfecting wood yourself, you can hire a professional water damage cleanup company to do it for you.