The short answer
Stop the Water First
Before any cleanup, find where the rainwater is coming in and stop it if you can. Block the entry point with towels, sandbags, or plastic sheeting. If the leak is from a broken pipe or roof, a plumber or roofer may need to make the repair first.
Turn off electricity in affected areas if water has reached outlets or appliances. Avoid standing water that may hide hazards. Wear rubber boots and gloves. If you feel unwell or see sewage in the water, leave the area and see a doctor if symptoms persist.
Dry Out Your Home
Moisture leads to mold within a day or two, so drying matters. Open windows and doors if the outside air is drier. Use fans, dehumidifiers, and air conditioning to pull moisture from walls and floors. Remove wet carpets, rugs, and furniture to a dry space.
For soaked drywall, insulation, and padding, cut away damaged sections. Dispose of porous items like mattresses and pillows that cannot be fully dried. Keep the indoor air moving to speed evaporation. In hot, dry climates, sudden storms can cause flash flooding, so act quickly after any rain event.
- Move furniture to a dry area
- Remove wet carpets and rugs
- Cut out soaked drywall and insulation
- Use fans and dehumidifiers
- Dispose of porous items that hold water
Clean and Sanitize
After drying, clean all hard surfaces with soap and water, then use a disinfectant to kill bacteria. Rainwater may carry contaminants from gutters, soil, or sewage. Wear a mask to avoid breathing dust or mold spores.
Pay attention to hidden areas like baseboards, window sills, and under cabinets. Dry everything completely before rebuilding or replacing materials. If you see mold growth, a mold professional can assess the extent and recommend safe removal methods.
Decide What to Keep
Not everything can be saved. Porous items that absorbed water, such as drywall, carpet, and upholstered furniture, should be removed. Hard plastics, glass, and metal can often be cleaned and kept if they dry fully.
Documents and photos may be salvageable if you dry them carefully, but they can be fragile. Check with your insurance company about what to document for a claim. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Take photos of damage before you throw anything away.
- Remove drywall and insulation
- Throw out wet carpet and padding
- Save hard surfaces like tile and metal
- Dry documents slowly with fans
- Photograph damage for your records
When to Call the Pros
Large floods or water that sat for hours need professional equipment. Local water damage pros use industrial fans, dehumidifiers, and moisture meters to dry walls and floors. They also have protective gear for contaminated water.
If the water came from a sewer or has been standing for more than two days, professional help is wise. They can remove water, dry structures, and sanitize affected areas. For minor spills, you can handle it yourself with careful drying and cleaning.
Water damage does not wait
Call (623) 624-8391 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (623) 624-8391Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to dry out after rainwater intrusion?
Drying time depends on the amount of water, materials, and humidity. With fans and dehumidifiers, surfaces may dry in a few days, but walls and floors can take a week or more. Use a moisture meter if possible to check for hidden dampness.
Can I clean mold myself after rainwater damage?
Small patches of mold on hard surfaces can be cleaned with soap and water. For larger areas or mold in drywall and insulation, a mold professional should handle it. Wear a mask and gloves, and avoid disturbing mold to prevent spreading spores.
Should I throw away soaked furniture?
Upholstered furniture and mattresses that absorbed water are hard to fully dry and may harbor mold. It is often safer to discard them. Wood furniture can sometimes be dried and refinished, but check for warping or rot. Your insurance company can advise on what is covered.