How to clean furniture damaged by floodwater

If the repairs will be as expensive as purchasing a new piece, then weigh both the emotional and financial value of keeping the furniture before deciding. —CONTRIBUTED

Rainy weather has become increasingly difficult to predict, especially with climate change.

As the current monsoon flooding shows, sudden deluges can severely damage ground floor furniture, appliances, and interior finishes. We asked Mike Gamez, owner of Cleeneco—a trusted cleaning service with 22 years of experience—to share his top tips for protecting furniture from water damage.

Safety first

Unplug all electrical devices and switch off the power in the affected areas. If flooding is severe, wear protective gear such as rubber boots and gloves.

Remove furniture from water

Remove furniture from the wet area, if possible. Brush off all the mud, then hose down to remove dirt. If the pieces smell foul, wash them with a mild liquid detergent or a baking soda solution, then rinse thoroughly. Work gently to avoid damaging fabrics. Make sure to do this immediately.

Allow furniture to drain and dry in a well ventilated area but avoid direct sunlight to prevent warping or discoloration.

Dry

Allow furniture to drain and dry in a well ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent warping or discoloration. You may use electric fans or blowers to speed up the drying process. Ensure all pieces are completely dry to prevent mold and unpleasant odors.

Assess

Inspect each piece for signs of swelling, warping, or compromised structure. Check whether the wood can be re-sanded, refilled, and refinished. Obtain cost estimates for these repairs. If the repairs will be as expensive as purchasing a new piece, then weigh both the emotional and financial value of keeping the furniture before deciding.

Disinfect

Walls, floors, and ceilings must be disinfected. For wood surfaces, wipe with a mixture of water, vinegar, or disinfectant to kill germs. If wood laminate is used, it may already be damaged or warped and might need replacement.

For tiles and other hard floors, use a mild liquid detergent. Keep the space well ventilated by opening windows, running electric fans, and placing dehumidifiers around to prevent mold growth.

Walls can be cleaned the same way, or with soap and water and a clean sponge if painted. If it’s wallpaper, these will have to be removed. If the wallpaper is made of a waterproof material, then these can be cleaned. It all depends on the wall finish.

Call for help

If you need more help, it’s best to call professional cleaning services. They typically send a team to disinfect, dry, steam, vacuum, and wash affected areas.

For flood‑prone spaces—especially living rooms and ground floor areas—I recommend dressing them up with waterproof furniture. There are plenty of outdoor grade pieces that suit every style, from traditional to modern. Stick to tile flooring, painted walls, and waterproof window treatments (such as MechoShades). Floor lamps and table lamps rated for outdoor use work well, too.

The author is the founder of Chat Fores Design Studio and a member of the Advisory Board of the College of Architecture and Design of Enderun College