Water damage can be a nightmare for any hardwood floor owner. Whether it’s from a spill or flooding, it can cause serious damage to your flooring and lead to costly repairs. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the dos and don’ts of dealing with water damage to your hardwood floor so that you can prevent further damage and get your floor back to looking its best.
Do: Turn Off the Water Source
When you first discover water damage to your hardwood floor, one of the most important steps is to shut off the water source.
If the water has come from a pipe, locate the stop valve and turn it off. If it has come from an appliance such as a dishwasher or washing machine, turn off the appliance. You will also need to turn off the water supply at the main valve if it has flooded from a burst pipe in your home. This will help minimize the amount of damage caused to your hardwood floor.
Once the water source has been turned off, you will need to take steps to assess the extent of the damage and start the drying process.
Be sure to use appropriate safety precautions while dealing with any type of flooding. Wear protective clothing such as rubber boots and gloves, and keep children and pets away from the area until it is safe.
Do: Remove As Much Water As Possible
When dealing with water damage to your hardwood floor, the first step is to remove as much of the water as possible.
This is best done using a wet/dry vacuum. A wet/dry vacuum is designed to be able to suck up water without damaging the wood itself. Start by vacuuming up as much of the standing water as you can, and then move on to removing any remaining moisture from the area with towels or rags.
Do not attempt to use a regular household vacuum cleaner, as this could cause further damage to the wood.
Once the majority of the water has been removed, take action quickly to dry out the area completely. Dehumidifiers are effective in this situation and will help reduce further warping and staining. You may also need to open some windows in order to allow air circulation throughout the room.
Do: Call a Professional
When it comes to dealing with water damage to your hardwood floor, one of the most important things you can do is call a professional.
A professional water damage restoration service can assess the extent of the damage and recommend a course of action to restore your floor.
When you call a professional, they will first identify the source of the water. They will then determine how much water has been absorbed and the type of damage it has caused. Next, they will evaluate the surrounding areas and determine the best way to extract the water from your floor.
Professional water damage restoration companies are equipped with advanced drying technology that can help reduce the amount of time needed to restore your floor. This technology also helps to prevent further damage from occurring due to mold or mildew growth.
Finally, a professional will be able to assess the damage and make recommendations for repairs or replacement. They may also be able to provide advice on preventive measures you can take to protect your floor in the future.
It’s important to remember that when dealing with water damage, it’s best to act quickly and contact a professional. Doing so will ensure that your hardwood floor is restored correctly and efficiently.
Don't Use a Hairdryer
Hardwood floors are extremely susceptible to water damage and should be treated with care.
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when it comes to water damage is attempting to use a hairdryer to dry out their hardwood floor.
A hairdryer can do more harm than good, as it can create too much heat, which can cause the wood to warp and crack. Additionally, the heat from the hairdryer can cause the finish on your hardwood floor to bubble and fade.
If you need to remove excess water from your hardwood floor, the best course of action is to use a soft cloth to absorb the water and then allow the floor to air dry naturally. If possible, open up windows or fans to help speed up the drying process.
Don't Use a Steam Cleaner
Using a steam cleaner is one of the worst things you can do if your hardwood floor is water-damaged.
Steam cleaners release steam, which can cause warping and discoloration of the wood.
Furthermore, the pressure from the steam can force water deep into the boards and can even cause mold and mildew to develop in the joints.
Instead, use a damp cloth and mop or wet vacuum to clean up the water, then allow the floor to dry completely before walking on it again.
Don't Walk on the Floor Until It Is Dry
When it comes to water damage and hardwood floors, the number one rule is to never walk on the floor until it is completely dry.
Walking on the wet surface can cause more damage as you are pressing down on the soft and vulnerable wood, leading to further warping and buckling. It can also lead to discoloration of the wood due to moisture getting in between the planks and staining them.
The best way to ensure your flooring isn’t damaged any further is to wait for it to dry completely before walking on it. This might take a few days, depending on how much water has penetrated the wood.