The short answer
Porous Building Materials
Certain building materials are designed to be porous, which makes them excellent for insulation but a problem when wet. Drywall, fiberglass insulation, and carpet padding are common examples. These materials act like sponges, absorbing water and often becoming a permanent home for mold if not removed quickly.
Water can wick up drywall far beyond the visible water line. The paper backing and gypsum core break down and lose structural integrity. For insulation, the trapped moisture ruins its thermal properties and creates an environment where mold can grow deep inside, out of sight. Prompt removal is typically necessary for these materials.
Compromised Furniture and Fabrics
Furniture made from pressed wood or particleboard often cannot be saved. The glue holding these composite materials together dissolves when saturated, causing the furniture to swell and disintegrate. Upholstered furniture is also at high risk if the padding inside gets wet and is not extracted immediately.
Fabrics like curtains or bedding may be salvageable with rapid, professional cleaning. However, if they remain damp for more than a day or two, mold and mildew will likely set in permanently. The cost of specialized cleaning can sometimes exceed the value of the item itself, making replacement the more practical choice.
- Particleboard or MDF furniture
- Mattresses and box springs
- Upholstered furniture with soaked padding
- Leather items if not treated quickly
- Foam cushions and pillows
- Non-colorfast fabrics that bleed dye
Electronics and Electrical Items
Water and electricity are a dangerous mix. Even if an electronic device appears to dry out, corrosion can begin on the circuit boards almost immediately. This hidden damage can cause the item to fail days or weeks later, potentially creating a fire hazard when plugged in.
Small appliances with complex motors, like blenders or coffee makers, are particularly vulnerable. The pros will advise you not to plug in any device that got wet until a qualified electrician has inspected it. Safety always comes first in these situations.
Paper Goods and Sentimental Items
Paper items such as books, photographs, and important documents are highly susceptible to water damage. The fibers swell and stick together, causing pages to tear and ink to run. While freeze-drying can save some items, the process is specialized and must begin very quickly after the damage occurs.
Sentimental items like old letters, children's artwork, or family albums are often the most painful losses. If these items are affected, tell the restoration pros immediately. They may have specific protocols for attempting to salvage precious papers, but outcomes can vary.
Food, Medicine, and Cosmetics
Any food, medicine, or cosmetic product exposed to flood water must be discarded. This includes canned goods if the seals are compromised. Contaminated water can carry harmful bacteria and chemicals, making these items unsafe for consumption or use, regardless of packaging.
This rule applies even to unopened packages. It is not worth the health risk to try and clean or salvage them. When in doubt, throw it out. Your primary concern should be preventing illness from exposure to contaminated items in your home. If you feel unwell after handling any contaminated items, see a doctor.
This rule applies even to unopened packages. It is not worth the health risk to try and clean or salvage them. When in doubt, throw it out. Your primary concern should be preventing illness from exposure to contaminated items in your home. If you feel unwell after handling any contaminated items, see a doctor.
- All food in porous packaging
- Any medicines
- Makeup and personal care products
- Canned goods with dented or leaking seams
- Baby formula and food
- Pet food and treats
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Call Now (405) 565-9833Frequently asked questions
Can water-damaged clothing be saved?
Most clothing can be saved if laundered quickly with a disinfectant. However, dry cleaning may be needed for delicate items. If clothes sit wet for over 48 hours, mold can ruin the fibers permanently.
What should I do with wet important documents?
Handle wet documents carefully, as they tear easily. Place individual papers in a freezer to prevent further damage until a document restoration specialist can assess them. Do not try to separate stuck pages.
Does insurance cover items that can't be restored?
Your homeowners insurance may cover the replacement cost of unsalvageable personal property, subject to your policy's limits and deductible. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Keep a detailed list of lost items.