Acting quickly in the event of a flood is necessary unless you want to accrue some serious flood damage. Washing machines flood often, and it’s normally because there is a blockage somewhere in the piping. This blockage can be due to anything — even mold.
Check out our expert recommendations for what you should do if your washing machine floods:
- Shut off the electricity in your home at the circuit breaker — even before unplugging the power cord of your washing machine. If the flood has crossed any electric items, you’re at risk just by touching the water. The first thing you need to do is shut off the power in your home — in any flood. Safety is your first priority.
- Use any mops and towels available to soak up the floodwater. The damage done by floods can be lessened exponentially if you take care of the problem right away — before the water soaks into the floor and walls.
- If you have a dehumidifier, plug it in and put it in the affected room. You should also open any windows and turn on fans pointed at the affected area.
- Take the clothes out of the washer and hang them up to dry. If you don’t, you’re likely going to have mold in your clothes — and possibly in your washing machine as well
- Remove any standing water in your washing machine. If you have a vacuum that is able to suck up water, use that. Remember, most vacuums are not able to do this. But if not, you’re going to have to use the manual method and just use a cup and an empty bucket to get the water out.
- Allow your washing machine to dry out. Keep the door open. Mold growth in washing machines is fairly common, and you want to prevent this in any way possible.
- Sanitize any affected areas to prevent mold growth.
If you’ve got a more extreme flood on your hands, it would be a really good idea to call us. While small floods can be taken care of by homeowners, commercial techniques are usually needed to remedy larger flood situations. We have expensive commercial technology and certified workers that will do both Illinois flood restoration and mold remediation to get your home looking great again.
