The short answer
Safety First
Before touching anything, shut off the electricity at the main breaker and turn off the gas supply if you suspect damage. Floodwater can hide sharp debris, chemicals, or sewage, so wear rubber boots, gloves, and a mask. If the water level was high, have an electrician check the wiring before you enter.
Never wade through moving water, and keep children and pets away from the area. If you feel unwell or notice a strong odor, step outside and see a doctor if symptoms persist. Your safety matters more than saving belongings.
Remove Standing Water
Use a sump pump or a wet/dry vacuum to remove as much water as possible. Start from the deepest point and work outward. For thin layers of water, a mop and bucket can finish the job, but be careful not to spread contaminated water around. If you don't have a pump, you can rent one from a local equipment rental store, which often has units designed for this purpose.
If the water level is more than a few inches, consider hiring local water damage pros who have industrial pumps and extraction tools. They can also check for hidden water in walls and floors that might cause long-term problems. Their equipment can reach areas that are hard to access with household tools, which helps prevent future issues.
- Turn off power before entering
- Wear rubber boots and gloves
- Use a pump for deep water
- Open windows for ventilation
- Remove wet items immediately
- Keep a flashlight handy
Dry Out the Basement
After removing standing water, focus on drying the space quickly to prevent mold growth. Use fans, a dehumidifier, and open windows if the outdoor humidity is low. In humid conditions, a dehumidifier is essential to pull moisture from the air.
Remove baseboards, drywall, and insulation that got soaked, as they can hold moisture and breed mold. Porous items like carpet, padding, and furniture may need to be thrown out. Non-porous surfaces like concrete and tile can be cleaned and dried.
Clean and Disinfect
Once the area is dry, scrub all hard surfaces with a detergent solution to remove dirt and grime. Then apply a disinfectant to kill bacteria and viruses. Use a mixture of water and bleach (one cup per gallon) for non-porous surfaces, but never mix bleach with ammonia.
Pay attention to walls, floors, and any items you plan to keep. For upholstery or furniture that might be salvageable, consider professional cleaning services. If you have severe contamination, a mold professional can assess the situation safely.
When to Call the Pros
Cleaning up a flooded basement can be overwhelming, especially if the water was contaminated or the damage is extensive. The pros have the equipment and experience to handle structural drying, deep cleaning, and sanitation. They can also identify hidden moisture that could lead to mold.
If you live in Detroit, keep your shutoff valve location written down for future emergencies. For large-scale damage, it's wise to contact a professional early to prevent further issues. Your insurance company may help with costs, but policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
Talk to someone now
Call (313) 766-2970 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (313) 766-2970Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to dry a flooded basement?
Drying time depends on the extent of water, materials, and humidity. With fans and dehumidifiers, it can take days to weeks. Professional drying equipment speeds up the process, but there's no set timeline.
Can I clean up floodwater myself?
You can handle small, clean water spills with basic supplies. For sewage or chemical contamination, or if the water is deep, it's safer to hire professionals. They have protective gear and industrial tools.
What should I throw away after a flood?
Discard porous items like carpet, padding, drywall, insulation, and mattresses that absorbed water. Also throw away food, medicine, and cosmetics that touched floodwater. Non-porous items can be cleaned and kept.
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