1. Wooden furniture
Wooden furniture, whether natural or engineered wood, can be quite expensive. However, they can easily deteriorate if they are submerged in water for too long. This is especially true for engineered wood, as it tends to decay faster. To salvage waterlogged wooden furniture, it is recommended to use specialized cleaning solutions to wipe them clean. Afterward, let them dry naturally and apply moisture and termite repellents. It is crucial to avoid exposing wooden furniture to intense sunlight, as it can cause swelling, cracking, and damage.
2. Highly absorbent items
Sofas made of fabric, blankets, or other highly absorbent items can be challenging to clean if they become wet or damp. If not promptly cleaned, they can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can harm your family’s health. It is recommended to wash and clean these items with specialized solutions thoroughly. Alternatively, taking them to professional cleaning establishments, equipped with the necessary tools, is an even better option.
3. Clothes
Wearing damp or moldy clothes as a result of waterlogging is undesirable. Fortunately, clothes are relatively easy to handle when they get wet. If lightly wet, they can be sorted and washed as usual. However, if heavily soaked or stained, it is advisable to use a disinfectant for washing. Soaking them overnight with laundry detergent and then washing them again with a washing machine is recommended.
4. Shoes and slippers
Saving a pair of soaked shoes or slippers can be a nightmare. Not only are they uncomfortable to wear, but they can also develop unpleasant odors. To remedy this, it is suggested to sort the shoes and follow specific cleaning methods based on their material. For fabric shoes, removing dirt, soaking them with a disinfectant, and washing them with laundry detergent is recommended. Leather shoes, on the other hand, should be gently wiped with a slightly damp cloth and allowed to air dry. They can then be polished using specialized shoe polish.
5. Items made of leather
To properly handle waterlogged leather items, it is advised to wipe both the inside and outside of the item with a soft cloth and let them dry naturally. Exposing them to intense sunlight or using a dryer should be avoided, as it can lead to stiffness or cracking in the leather. Once the item is completely dry, a soft cloth can be used to polish the entire leather surface.
6. Household electrical appliances
To handle waterlogged household electrical appliances (such as refrigerators, washing machines, TVs, etc.), it is crucial to seek help from specialized repair experts or refrigeration technicians. Attempting to repair them at home can lead to electric shock, fire, permanent damage to the equipment, and endangering your family members.
7. Books, pictures, documents (paper items)
Waterlogged books, pictures, and important documents can be a nightmare to salvage. For books or documents, if immediate attention is not possible, temporarily placing them in the freezer (with parchment or wax paper between the pages) can slow down the decomposition process. When time allows, the following methods can be applied to dry photos, books, and documents:
- For books or documents: Place them on a dry and clean surface, gently flipping through the pages to aid drying. Then, cover the damp pages with a paper towel and apply a book press (or weighted object) on the lowest setting to ensure complete drying.
- For photos or films: Place an absorbent paper underneath and lay the photo face up, taking care not to touch the surface to prevent smearing. Let them naturally air dry.
Always remember that sunlight is not a cure-all for wet items. It is better to let the items dry in the wind rather than exposing them to direct sunlight. Additionally, ensuring the safety of electrical wires and gas lines, as well as clearing the drainage system from debris during the rainy season, is recommended.
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