How to Do Flood Restoration of Leather Furniture Effectively

Nov 27
08:47

2012

Ma. Theresa Galan

Ma. Theresa Galan

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If there was only slight flooding and the furniture did not sit in water for too long, begin by separating upholstery fabrics and other colored items to prevent or stop any chance of color bleeding. It should be dried completely to prevent mold and mildew from forming which happens if it is more than 20% wet.

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All water damaged leather can be restored regardless of categories 1-clean water,How to Do Flood Restoration of Leather Furniture Effectively Articles 2-gray water or 3-black water. Leather, which can be found as coverings for upholstery in some homes, needs a different water damage restoration approach from a different fabric such as denim or cotton.

Flood damaged furniture usually needs to be dried, cleaned, repaired and refinished. Furniture water damage caused by flooding typically requires a more comprehensive repair technique. Begin by drying the furniture thoroughly in an outdoor area away from direct sunlight. Then clean the surface using a damp cloth and brush to remove soil. Reattach any loose pieces with good-quality wood glue and allow them to dry. Remove the old varnish with a chemical stripper and apply a fresh coat to complete the repair.

If you do decide to keep your upholstered furniture owing to its high worth, it is best to have it cleaned only by a professional. The cleaning may involve stripping it down to its frame. Springs and webbing may have to be replaced depending on the extent of water damage.

Leather

Leather is an organic material that is obtained from the hides of animals. Because of this, leather costs more than other man-made or synthetic fabrics that are used in different household furnishings.

Water damage due to spills is not, typically, a major cause for concern with leather. However, flooded leather furniture is another issue. Most of the time, the problem isn't the water itself, but the contaminants and minerals in it. For upholstered furniture, water damage restoration is important because it may become a breeding ground for mold and mildew.

Leather that has been soaked in water may become brittle and may be ruined due to the formation of stains and blemishes. Water damage restoration for leather and leather furnishings is very hard but manageable. When leather becomes soaked or wet, the best way to dry it is to wipe away the water with a dry piece of cloth. Never dry leather using a heater. Leather is made from animal hide, and like any other part of an animal, if leather is heated then it becomes cooked. So using heat for the water damage restoration of leather will only cause further damage to it. How to clean them is very important as using the wrong method for the type of leather can have disasterous results.

Mattresses

Mattresses present the same problem as upholstered furniture. However, if the mattress was exposed to water for only a short time, and if the water was clean it may be salvaged. You can do so by cleaning the surface and putting the mattress out in the sun. Keep the wet side up to dry as much and as quickly as as possible.

Blocks that keep a mattress suspended above the ground will help facilitate drying. A fan can also help speed up the drying process. Any musty odor is an indication of mildew and you will then need a professional to sanitize it properly. If the odor still persists the mattress should be discarded.

If unfortunately, your mattress or boxspring has been submerged or sat in water for a long time, there is no option but to replace it. Mold will grow, and the mattress would have absorbed contaminants which are hazardous to your health.

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