Brace for the Big Scrub

Welcome your house back from its underwater adventure with a refreshing blast of chlorine

I've volunteered to help in various ways during the flood crisis, but it wasn't until I read about someone contracting osteoporosis while cleaning their salvaged house that I realised my personal experience could be put to use.

I inherited my parents' cleaning business and, having provided the service to many corporations, I knew my information could be useful for others affected by the calamity. 

So I started writing a blog - a guide to safely cleaning up buildings after the flood recedes. What follows are a few of the best tips.

Cleaning up after a flood is obviously far tougher than normal household chores, requiring a lot of time and energy. Don't expect your house to be shiny again in a matter of days.

Before beginning your major post-flood makeover, check the electrical system thoroughly. Switch off the main power and have a technician hunt for possible leaks and damage. 

You might have to replace wiring and sockets, and this could take days, but it's crucial for safety.

The next important chores are to get rid of any residual floodwater and kill off all the germs and fungus, which can cause serious health problems. You don't want to live in a house where germs have been left to go on incubating.

Once the power is up and running again, get equipped for the big cleanup. Wear latex gloves, boots and a mask at all times to protect against those germs and mould and also high-power bleaches and cleansing chemicals.

Keep a fan blowing the fumes out while you work but leave the air conditioner alone until your whole property is squeaky-clean. The air con might not be damaged, but it would suck bacteria into the filter, where they'd breed the next generation.

Whatever has fungus growing on it that's moveable, drag it outside to either clean it or get rid of it. Throw away what you can - incinerate it if that's possible.

If there's mould on the walls, floors or any furniture that's too big to shift, try and get it off with a vacuum cleaner or high-power water hose.

Empty the house as much as possible and clean the floors first. Hose them down thoroughly and scrape then with wooden mop.

Attack the fungus with 1cc of chlorine mixed in a litre of water. Spray the solution all over the place before scrubbing with floor polish. Then pour boiling water on the floor.

To get rid of grease, stubborn stains and smells, use a potion made with organic enzymes. It prevents dampness from lingering after the cleaning, and the effects can last up to six months.

You'll need to replace the flooring, especially vinyl, carpeting or parquet. First, though, lift the flooring up to dry the space beneath it. This could take a while, but it has to be completely dry.

Throw away carpeting. In most cases it's not worth the outrageous professional cleaning fee. If you have some expensive rugs you must keep, dry them in the sun before taking them to the cleaners.

Sorry, but that wallpaper also has to go.

If any electrical appliances spent time in the water, dry them in the sun and have a technician inspect them before you even think about plugging them in.

Items made of glass, plastic and melamine can be cleaned in a gallon of water containing two tablespoons of chlorine. Soak them for 10 minutes, then dry carefully. Then clean them again with dishwashing detergent.

Chlorine should not be used on metals, including silver, because it might discolour the surface. Boil metal items for 10 minutes to kill off germs and clean them with dishwashing soap.

Built-in furniture should be cleaned thoroughly with chlorine and water. Make sure the cupboards and closets are completely dry before putting your belongings back.

Other moveable furniture - like beds, drawers and latex mattresses - should be cleaned in the open air with chlorine. Dry them thoroughly too.

Furniture made of softwood isn't really worth salvaging, but if it's sterner, harder wood such as teak, it can be successfully restored. Reupholster cushioned sofas and seats once the frames are cleaned and dried.

Clothes pulled from the floodwater must be immediately washed in hot water and dried in the sunshine.

Soaked paper documents, photographs and books should be rinsed well, put in plastic bags and placed in the freezer to prevent the paper from sticking together. 

When you have time, clean them slowly, one by one: let the frozen pages thaw and dab them with a clean cloth. You might need professional help in some cases.

Throw away wet mattresses, pillows and stuffed dolls. Please don't donate them to charity!

Kamolpan is an assistant managing director at Far East Peerless (Thailand) 1968.

Her blog in Thai is at www.iUrban.in.th/highlight/cleanhouseafterflooding.

NEED HELP?

>> The Engineering Institute of Thailand has 150 engineers who have volunteered to check flood victims' house structure, electrical system and waterworks. Leave your name, address and phone number at (080) 812 3733, (080) 812 3743 or (080) 812 2853 between 9am and 5pm. Other engineers who want to volunteer can call (02) 184 4600-9.

>> Engineers at the Metropolitan Electricity Authority have volunteered to provide advice on electrical safety. Call (02) 256 3222 or visit www. MEA.or.th.