Furniture

Take steps to salvage other belongings...because many can survive a flood.

The first step in salvaging your belongings is determining what to keep and what to throw out.

You'll need to evaluate the extent of the damage, the cost of the article, the cost of restoration, the quality of the wood or fabric, and the sentimental value. Always wear rubber gloves and wash hands frequently when working with cleaning solutions and flood-damaged items. And remember - never mix chlorine and ammonia.

Furniture

Use the following guidelines to begin salvaging flood-damaged furniture. Before starting, evaluate the time and equipment needed.

Submerged or Wet Furniture

• Take furniture outdoors, and remove as many drawers and removable parts as possible. Drawers and doors may be stuck tight. If they are, do not pry them open. Instead, remove the back of the furniture, and push them out from behind.
• Clean off mud and dirt, using a hose if necessary.
• When the furniture is dry, reglue it if necessary.

Damp Furniture

• If the entire surface of the furniture is covered with white spots or a cloudy film, rub it with a damp cloth dipped in turpentine or camphorated oil, or use a solution of 1/2 cup of ammonia and 1/2 cup of water. Wipe dry, and polish with furniture polish.
• For deep spots, use a drop or two of ammonia on a damp cloth. Rub immediately with a dry cloth and polish.
• If color is not restored, dip 3/0 steel wool in mineral or olive oil, and rub lightly with the wood grain. Wipe of and rewax.
• If spots remain, refinish the piece.

After cleaning, store the furniture in a shady, well-ventilated place because furniture dried in the sun will warp. To get more information about salvaging furniture, click here. (Note: This link will take you to an external site.)

This publication is brought to you by: