Getting Rid of H2Odors

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

H2O Odors

Water intrusion, leaks, and flooding can ruin a home. Even if there is no structural damage, it’s going to be a major headache for the person who has to clean up what can be an overwhelming mess. Home flooding can come from both exterior and interior sources; a water pipe can bust, rain can seep in, a fish tank can crack (yes, we’ve seen it), or a creek can overflow and enter the house. Wherever the water comes from, you are going to have to dry and clean it.

Once the water recedes or evaporates and you clean and dry the affected area, odors can linger. Bacteria, mildew, or mold growth are the main culprits when it comes to offending smells. The odor is one thing but left untreated, what you may not be able to see can cause serious health problems. Mold, specifically, can have a major negative impact on indoor air quality. Our SERVPRO of Cedar City/Fillmore technicians have doubled over because of lingering mold odors. Mold damage must be addressed or it will only get worse.

What can we do to most effectively clean?

Step One: Remove the Water

Soak it up. Sponge it up. Mop it up. Sweep it out. Use every roll of paper towels you can find. The water must go. Don’t be afraid to bring in the pros. Our team at SERVPRO of Cedar City/Fillmore is equipped with pumps and industrial-strength suction hoses. Before the cleaning and restoration process can begin, the area must be water-free.

Step Two: Clean, and Then Clean Some More

Get some bleach and get to work. Scrub it all and then scrub it again. Be mindful of porous materials. Depending on what type of water you are dealing with, the material will likely have to be removed. Rip it out and install new. It will be far more costly in the long run if you allow mold or mildew to fester. Carpet cleaning may be a needed follow up to this process.

Step Three: Dry it Up

Once the water is removed and you have thoroughly cleaned, do all you can to get air circulating and dry the area as best you can. A fan will help, but this is another area where your best bet is to contact the professionals. We have air movers and dehumidifiers that keep air moving, remove moisture, and help to better dry the area. We also can deploy HEPA air scrubbers that can address small odor particles still lingering in the air.

SERVPRO of Cedar City/Fillmore helps in addressing various challenges caused by flooding, high water, and water damage. For more information, call us at (435) 251-9241. Let us make sure that no odors linger after water damage hits your home or business!