Fabric Cleaning after a Water Damaging Incident in Plantation Homes Often Requires SERVPRO's Protocols and Methods

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

Water spills impact materials in different ways, including depositing dissolved residues from the water in the affected areas.

Various Tests that Improve Water Cleanup Outcomes in Plantation Homes

Cleaning up a home after water damage incidents takes several steps. Apart from removing any standing water, there is a need to remove any soils left on contents such as furniture, items made from fabrics, or even appliances. Water cleanup involving textiles can be the most complex, but performing various tests before cleaning can help ease the process and prevent more damage.

Chemical Tests

Before starting water cleanup processes in Plantation, there is a need to perform chemical tests on any fabric items soiled during the water spill. Such tests help establish how the material is affected by certain types of cleaning agents. Cleaning agents containing formic acid can dissolve nylon fabrics. Chlorine bleach, on the other hand, affects wool and many other substrates. With the results from the test, it is possible to clean your contents without causing further damages. Our SERVPRO technicians may not need to do the actual test if an item has labels showing the types of fabrics it is made from since our extensive experience in the industry helps us know common reactions to chemicals.

Soil Type Test

Water spills soil materials in different ways, including depositing dissolved residues from the water in the affected areas. In general, residues are water-based or oil-based, so there is a need to establish the type left on fabrics in your house so that you can choose a cleaning agent perfect for the job. So, our SERVPRO technicians determine which professional cleaning agents can clean more efficiently by doing the soil type tests.

Dissolving Test

If the incident leaves stains on fabrics, immediate action is necessary to remove them before they are set. Knowing which type of solvent can dissolve the soil in the stain is crucial in removal. Our SERVPRO technicians perform tests, which establish whether plain water, regular detergents, or other solvents are necessary to dissolve the stains without damaging the underlying fabric. Many times, stain removal efforts end up bleaching the fabric, which is a less desirable outcome.

We understand that restoring fabrics such as clothing, drapes, and upholstery to preloss conditions is not always possible. We can, under certain conditions, remove soiled items to our facility for cleaning with the advanced Esporta Washing System. If appropriate, we can also suggest having specific fabrics sent to a particular dry cleaning company.

Cleaning up water damage sites can present challenges beyond water extraction. Call SERVPRO of Ft. Lauderdale South at (954) 776-2000 to help. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.