Experiencing a flood in your home is overwhelming. Whether caused by a hurricane, storm surge, broken pipe, or appliance malfunction, the cleanup process must be handled quickly and carefully to prevent long-term damage.

At HallMark Restorations Fort Lauderdale, we’ve helped countless homeowners across South Florida bounce back after floods. Here’s our expert guide to flood cleanup—what to do, what not to do, and when to call in the pros.

First Things First: Prioritize Safety
Before you enter your flooded home, stop and assess safety.

If there’s visible damage or you’re unsure, wait for a licensed inspector to evaluate it.Do not enter if water may have touched outlets, breaker panels, or appliances. Call the utility company or a licensed electrician.Leave immediately and notify authorities.

⚠️ Pro Tip: Floodwaters can hide wildlife like snakes, and contaminants like sewage. Always wear rubber boots, gloves, and protective gear.

🚱 Shut Off the Water Source (If Applicable)
If the flooding came from an indoor source (burst pipe, water heater, appliance), turn off your main water supply to prevent more water from entering.

If the flooding was caused by a storm or rising water, use sandbags or pumps to mitigate further intrusion—then begin cleanup once the water recedes.

Step One: Remove Standing Water Time is critical. Standing water breeds mold, bacteria, and structural decay within hours.

If you have access to a sump pump or wet vac, start removing water from affected rooms. If not, create a “bucket brigade” with family members using mops, buckets, and towels.

Once water is removed:

Remove wet furniture, rugs, mattresses, and anything soaked.

Discard porous items like upholstery and padding to prevent mold growth.

Step Two: Begin the Drying Process
Moisture left behind is your biggest enemy. Start drying immediately:

Open windows and doors for ventilation (if weather allows).

Use ceiling fans, floor fans, and dehumidifiers to accelerate drying.

Focus airflow on flooring, baseboards, and wet walls.

Professional water damage companies like HallMark Restorations use:

High-powered air movers

Commercial dehumidifiers

Moisture meters to detect hidden water

Step Three: Clean and Disinfect All Surfaces
Once dry, begin deep cleaning:

Scrub hard surfaces with soap and water to remove dirt and debris.

Disinfect with a bleach solution (5 Tbsp. bleach to 1 gallon of water).

Avoid mixing bleach with other cleaners—it can release toxic fumes.

Be thorough with:

Walls

Floors

Doors and frames

Kitchen and bathroom surfaces

Prevent Mold Before It Spreads
Mold starts growing within 24 to 48 hours after a flood.

Signs of mold include:

A musty smell

Dark patches on walls, ceilings, or floors

Worsening allergies or breathing issues

Bleach won’t kill most mold types—despite what you may have heard. Instead:

Use vinegar or professional-grade antimicrobial treatments

Call mold remediation experts if you suspect growth behind walls or under flooring

Step Four: Start Repairs and Restoration
Flood damage often affects:

Drywall: Flood cuts may need to be made 2–4 feet above the water line.

Flooring: Wood warps, laminate bubbles, and carpet traps mold.

Trim, baseboards, insulation: Often must be removed and replaced.

Electrical and HVAC systems: Must be inspected and cleared of debris or moisture.

It’s possible to live at home during minor repairs, but for large-scale restoration, staying elsewhere is often safer and less stressful.

When to Call the Pros

While some minor cleanups can be done yourself, serious floods require professional restoration.
Call HallMark Restorations Fort Lauderdale if:

You had more than a few inches of water

Mold is visible or suspected

The flood source was sewage or stormwater

Electrical, structural, or HVAC systems may be affected

You need documentation for insurance claims

We bring:

Full PPE and decontamination suits

Commercial-grade drying and sanitation tools

Experience dealing with Florida’s unique climate and risks

Full restoration from inspection to rebuild

Trust the Local Experts at HallMark Restorations Fort Lauderdale
We’ve helped families and businesses throughout Fort Lauderdale recover from:

Hurricane flooding

Appliance overflows

Sewage backups

Pipe bursts

Crawl space and attic leaks

Let our licensed, insured, and experienced team handle your restoration—safely, thoroughly, and with care.

📞 Call Now: (754) 277-2016
🌐 Visit: hallmarkrestorationsfortlauderdale.com