The short answer
Porous Building Materials
Drywall, plaster, and certain types of insulation are almost always beyond saving once they get wet. Water soaks deep into these materials, and they can hold moisture for a long time. Even after the visible water is gone, hidden dampness can lead to mold growth and structural weakening. For these reasons, water-damaged drywall and insulation are typically cut out and replaced.
If you live in Euless, the humid subtropical climate can make drying even slower. The pros who handle water damage removal will often remove sections of drywall and insulation to check for hidden moisture. The longer these materials stay wet, the more likely they are to harbor mold. It is usually more practical to replace them than to try to dry them out.
- Drywall and plaster
- Fiberglass and cellulose insulation
- Loose-fill insulation
- Particleboard and MDF
- Cardboard and paper products
Mattresses and Pillows
Mattresses and pillows are made with foam, cotton, or other absorbent fillings that trap water and are nearly impossible to dry completely. Even a small amount of water can leave a mattress heavy, misshapen, and prone to mold. The inner layers can stay damp for weeks, creating a health risk for anyone who sleeps on it.
Cleaning a water-damaged mattress is not practical. The pros will tell you that once a mattress gets wet, it is right to discard it. The same applies to pillows, especially those made of foam or down. These items are not worth the risk of mold and bacteria. It is safer and more economical to replace them.
Upholstered Furniture
Sofas, chairs, and cushions with fabric or foam padding are very hard to salvage after water damage. The water can soak into the frame, padding, and fabric, making it impossible to dry evenly. Hidden moisture in the frame can cause wood to swell and warp, and the padding can develop mold that is difficult to remove.
Professional cleaning may work for lightly dampened items, but if the furniture was submerged or soaked for more than a few hours, replacement is usually the only safe option. The pros who do water damage restoration will often advise against trying to save heavily waterlogged upholstery. The cost of cleaning and the risk of lingering odor and mold make replacement the better choice.
Food and Medicine
Any food that comes into contact with floodwater or sewage should be thrown away. This includes canned goods, because water can seep into the seams and contaminate the contents. Even if the can looks intact, the seal may be compromised. Medicines, including pills and liquids, should also be discarded if they were exposed to water, as their safety cannot be relied upon.
The same rule applies to baby formula and breast milk. Do not try to salvage these items. If you are unsure about a food item, it is better to be safe and throw it out. Check with your local health department if you have questions about specific items.
Electronics and Appliances
Electronics such as televisions, computers, and phones are rarely salvageable after water exposure. Water can damage the internal circuits and cause corrosion that continues even after the device dries. Trying to turn on a wet electronic device can cause further damage and create a fire hazard. In most cases, it is not worth the cost of repair.
Large appliances like washing machines, dryers, and refrigerators can sometimes be cleaned and repaired if the water damage is minor and they were not submerged. However, if the motor or electrical components got wet, they may be unsafe to use. A qualified appliance repair professional can assess the damage. Always unplug wet appliances and avoid using them until they are checked.
Water damage does not wait
Phones are answered 24/7 for Euless and nearby communities.
Call Now (817) 799-6732Frequently asked questions
Can I save a wet photo album?
If the photos are important, you can try to air dry them flat on a clean towel, but they may stick together and be ruined. Professional photo restoration services exist, but they are not the same as water damage pros. If the album itself is soaked, the photos are likely not worth saving.
What about books and documents?
Books and documents are very hard to salvage after water damage. You can freeze them to slow mold growth and later air dry them, but this is time-consuming and not always successful. For important documents, consider digital backups. If they are soaked, they are usually beyond saving.
Are there any items that can always be saved?
Hard, non-porous items like glass, metal, and plastic can often be cleaned and disinfected if they were not submerged in sewage. You can wash them with soap and clean water, then disinfect with a bleach solution. However, if they have electrical parts or are difficult to clean, it may be safer to discard them.