Cleaning Storm-Flooded Floors Safely

Storm flood water carries everything the runoff picked up between where it started and where it ended up in your house. That changes how you clean and what you keep.

Why storm water is Category 3

The IICRC classifies storm-runoff flooding as Category 3 (black water) by default. The reasoning: runoff includes street oil, pesticide residue, sewer overflow, animal waste, and whatever else was on the ground between the upstream source and your home. Even if it looks clear, it's contaminated.

What porous materials cannot be saved

Carpet that sat in flood water. Carpet pad. Drywall up to two feet above the water line. Fiberglass batt insulation. Particleboard subfloor or shelving. Upholstered furniture below the water line. Mattresses. Books and paper records that were submerged. All of these come out.

What can be cleaned and kept

Tile floors. Sealed concrete. Hardwood floors (often, depending on saturation depth and water duration). Metal items. Glass. Sealed wood furniture (if quickly extracted). Clothing and bedding washable at hot water settings.

The cleaning sequence

Remove contaminated porous materials. Extract standing water. Apply EPA-registered antimicrobial to all remaining surfaces. Begin structural drying with air movers and dehumidifiers. The EPA mold guidance stresses that drying must complete within 48 hours to prevent mold establishment.

Documentation as you go

Photograph everything before you discard it. Photograph it again at the curb. Keep receipts for all cleaning supplies. The insurance claim depends on this paper trail more than people expect.