Furniture Water Damage

2/10/2023 (Permalink)

After a water loss in your home, we are here to help restore you property properly back to pre loss conditions.

Water damage is never good for your furniture. If water damage goes left untreated, it can affect the structural integrity of your pieces over time and cost a lot of money to fix. When water damage is treated in a timely manner, there's a chance that your furniture will be salvageable. Here's what to do if your furniture gets damaged from water.

Remove Drawers and Cushions

Water can effect your entire piece of furniture quickly. It is important to remove and drawers or cushions to the furniture to help with the drying process. Opening the piece of furniture up with allow for adequate drying. Wood will take longer to dry than plastic or metal.

Cleaning

The first step in the cleaning process is to assess the level of damage and determine whether it can be repaired. Never attempt to clean a damaged piece of furniture or clothing on your own unless you know if it within your line of knowledge. If there is extensive water damage or stains on the fabric, you may have no other choice but to throw it out.

Don't use harsh chemicals or cleaners. Water damage can cause a number of different types of stains including mold and mildew growths. Using harsh chemicals or cleaners could make these problems worse by stripping the natural oils from materials like cotton or leather. Instead, try applying warm water with a soft cloth over any affected areas before moving on to another method.

The wood could have extensive water damage, you may use a wet/dry vacuum to remove water before wiping it down with a rags. Removing as much water as possible can cut back on secondary damages.

Treat Water Stains

If your furniture suffers from water stains, treat it with paint thinner, denatured alcohol or mineral spirits. These solvents are found in hardware stores and should be applied to a soft cloth with care. A small amount of solvent should be rubbed onto the stain until it disappears, don't apply too much because you can damage the wood underneath. Then let the solvent sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a clean cloth.

If your furniture needs to be re-oiled after cleaning, it is recommended that you first use an oil-based stain on the damaged area. This will help seal in moisture and prevent further damage from occurring. You can find stains designed for wood at most hardware stores or online retailers such as Amazon or Home Depot. Select one that’s appropriate for your type of finish, whether it’s polyurethane, lacquer or shellac.

Furniture damage is a common problem after a water loss. Give the professionals at SERVPRO of Kingwood/Humble a call at the first sign of water damage in your property to help restore your furniture back to pre loss conditions.