Cleaning Up After Water Damage

If you live in the floodplain and think your family heirlooms and other valuables could be at risk of water damage, keep this information in a handy place.

Prevention is, of course, the best remedy for averting damage to historic objects. Do not store objects on the floor, especially not in the basement where water is likely to accumulate and stand in the event of flooding.

Make your personal safety the first priority in dealing with water accumulation. Do not return to an evacuated area until emergency management officials declare it safe.

If you return home to waterlogged objects, follow these guidelines:

First, remove standing water with a pump or hand bailing system when possible. If your basement drains seem to be open, keep in mind that the water table may be too high to allow drainage as usual. In this case, using a pump will not be effective. Your best recourse is to get air circulating throughout the rest of the house to dry as much in the upper story as possible. Remember that waterlogged furnishings and debris retain moisture and dampness.
If you have the space, air-dry wet objects inside your house, away from sunlight and heat. Otherwise, quick drying can cause the object to warp or split and fade.
Moisture and heat cause mold and mildew to thrive. Do what you can to reduce humidity by setting up fans, opening windows to promote airflow and operating a dehumidifier. Leave on your overhead lights to further discourage mold and mildew.
If you have been flooded out and mold is forming on walls, baseboards and floors, use a commercial disinfectant to wipe it away. Follow the manufacturer’s directions when using disinfectant on these surfaces, being careful not to spatter any on the objects you are trying to conserve. This process will prevent mold from spreading to your most precious objects. Be sure to avoid using these chemicals on historic wallpapers.
If objects are still wet, rinse them with clear water or a fine but weak stream of spray. If the object has dirt or debris clinging to it, use a soft brush or a damp cloth to gently clean it away. Be careful not to rub the dirt into the objects, which can cause permanent scratches and tears. Dry the items with soft, clean cloths.
f objects are broken or beginning to fall apart, capture all of the bits and pieces in open containers and label them clearly. Do not place objects in sealed containers or plastic bags. Do not try to repair them while they are still wet. If the object is especially important, consult a professional conservator before reassembling it.
Be extremely careful when rescuing documents, books, photographs or artwork from water damage. These items are particularly fragile when wet. Rinse mud from wet photographs with a gentle stream of clear water, but avoid touching the image. Saturated books and papers should also be air-dried. If the potential for damage looks serious, place wet items in the refrigerator or freezer and contact a conservator immediately. • Free photos from frames and glass and allow to air dry. Remove wet paintings from their frames but not from the outer stretcher. Let them air dry facing upward but be careful not to expose them to direct sunlight.
Organic materials like leather and textiles should also be air-dried. Things like clothing and baskets should be supported with clean towels or uninked paper to retain their shapes. Replace saturated padding.
Don’t panic if your furniture finish develops a hazy white look to it after contact with water or extreme humidity. Consult a professional conservator for treatment once you have taken care of the more serious situations.

For more information and a listing of professional conservators and other resources, contact the Collections and Exhibits Manager of the Washington County Historical Society and Museum at (503) 645-5353.