How to Clean Up a Basement After a Flood

Make It Safe and Pump It Out

• 1

  Call your electric company and have the electricity turned off, and have your natural gas company turn off the gas, before you enter your basement after a flood. Even a small amount of water can cause electrocution, and gas emitted by water heaters or furnaces after their pilot lights go out can result in asphyxiation or explosion.

• 2

  Borrow, rent or buy a sump pump if a large amount of water is standing. Use a generator or car-battery-powered pump if the flood waters are near your home's electrical box.

• 3

  Wear waders, rain boots or nonslip footwear, and don a face mask or respirator. Pump flood water out of the basement at the same rate as it recedes outdoors to keep the pressure on the walls equalized. Do not remove the water faster, or the walls may collapse and the floor could buckle.

Clear It, Scrub It, Dry It

• 4

  Keep windows and doors open as you work to circulate fresh air. Dispose of items that you can't sanitize and restore, such as papers, books, upholstered furniture, carpeting and mattresses. Discard any food that isn't sealed in impermeable packaging.

• 5

  Remove all salvageable items. Wash any clothing, linens and other textiles as soon as possible to reduce the risk of mildew stains.

• 6

  Clear out mud and other debris with a shovel. Spray the walls and floor with a high-pressure nozzle to clean off the flood water residue. Scrub stubborn stains with detergent and water using a push broom or sturdy brush.

• 7

  Clean hard surfaces such as floors, paneling, shelving and counters with detergent and water. Mix a half-cup of chlorine bleach into 4 gallons of water. Wash the basement surfaces again to help remove odors.

• 8

  Use dehumidifiers and fans to speed the drying process. Shut the windows and doors while you're running dehumidifiers so they can remove moisture more efficiently.

• 9

  Make an appointment with a licensed electrician to inspect your home before you have the electric company restore power. Call your natural gas company for a safety inspection. Some companies will inspect gas appliances and relight pilot lights at no charge.