How To Clean Up Water on the Floor

Finding water on your floor can feel like an unexpected nightmare. Whether it’s due to a leaky pipe, an overflowing appliance, or a heavy storm, the mess and potential water damage can feel like too much to handle. Understanding how to clean up water on the floor quickly is essential to prevent further issues and protect your home. 

Keep reading for practical steps to quickly resolve the situation:

1. Assess the Situation 

Before beginning cleanup, evaluate the situation and identify the source of the water. Is it coming from a burst pipe, an overflowing appliance, or external flooding? Addressing the source is critical to stopping further water intrusion. 

Next, determine the type of water you’re dealing with.

• Clean water: Such as from a broken supply line or melting snow, is the least concerning but still needs immediate attention.
• Gray water: Which comes from washing machines or dishwashers, may carry contaminants that can pose health risks. 
• Blackwater: Like sewage or floodwater, it is highly contaminated and must be handled professionally. 

As you assess the situation, remember that safety always comes first. If water is near outlets or appliances, shut off the electricity in that area. Always wear protective gear, including gloves, boots, goggles, and a mask to protect yourself. 

2. Gather the Necessary Supplies 

Knowing how to clean up a lot of water on the floor involves being prepared with the right tools and equipment. 

For minor spills, towels, and mops are usually all you need. Larger amounts of water may call for a wet/dry vacuum or a sump pump to help speed things along. If your floors are sloped, a squeegee can be handy for directing water toward a drain.

3. Remove the Water 

This is where the heavy lifting begins. You can start by removing as much water as possible using towels or mops for smaller areas. For larger pools of water, use a wet/dry vacuum or, if available, a sump pump. If you’re dealing with water on sloped floors, a squeegee can help push it toward a drain or out the door. 

If the water is too deep or overwhelming to handle, it’s best to call local water cleanup experts like Restoration 1. We have the tools and expertise to handle significant flooding safely and quickly, minimizing damage to your home. 

4. Dry the Area Thoroughly 

Once the water is gone, completely drying the space is essential to prevent mold and further damage. Set up fans and dehumidifiers to pull moisture out of the air and off surfaces. If weather permits, open the windows for extra ventilation. 

Remember the items exposed to water, such as rugs, furniture, and other belongings. These need to be dried thoroughly as well. Lingering moisture in fabrics or porous materials can lead to mold, so be thorough. 

5. Inspect for Damage 

Now that everything is dry, it’s time to examine your space closer. Look for signs of damage, such as warped flooring, discoloration, or soft spots on walls and baseboards. Mold can develop within 72 hours after a water event, so look for musty smells or visible growth, especially in darker corners or hidden spaces.

Don’t delay getting professional assistance if you notice significant damage or suspect mold, as some issues go beyond DIY repairs and require expert attention. 

When To Call Restoration 1

Sometimes, cleaning up water on your own isn’t enough. Large amounts of standing water can seep into your walls and floors, causing damage that isn’t immediately obvious. Contaminated water also poses serious health risks and requires specialized cleanup. Also, if you spot mold or structural damage, it’s time to call in the pros. 

At Restoration 1 of Grand Rapids, we recognize that water events don’t pick a convenient time. This is why we’re available 24/7 to help with emergencies. With our expertise and experience in water damage restoration, our local team is ready to handle everything from minor leaks to extensive flooding. 

Restore Your Home and Peace of Mind Today

Dealing with water on the floor can be stressful, but taking quick action can help you get things back to normal. If you’re unsure how to clean up water on the floor, the steps enumerated in this guide can point you in the right direction. 

However, for extensive water damage, contaminated water, and other more serious situations, know that you can always call Restoration 1 for help. Call us anytime — we’ll be with you shortly to make your home safe and dry again.