Professional restoration services use heavy-duty tools and industry-grade equipment to remove water from inside a house. While majority of regular homeowners do not have such water removal machinery, they can thankfully rely on other ways of drying out personal items. The following are three simple ways of water removal and extraction that can be used for minor water damage repairs at home.



1. Air Drying

No heavy science here: air drying is the simplest and oldest way of water removal. The only requirements are a bit of sun and lots of air, two things that are naturally abundant and are available for free. Homeowners can use this tried and tested water removal method to dry out their personal belongings and save them from further water damage.

For successful air drying, lay out wet items side by side on a spacious flat surface. Prop up items like mattresses and cushions so that both sides dry out evenly. Completely wash carpets, drapes, and upholstery to get rid of water damage stains before air drying. Some things, like books and photographs, are easily damaged by sunlight so leave these indoors to dry.

It is important that the air within the drying area is constantly circulated. This way, the moisture and humidity levels are kept to a minimum. Air drying works best for slightly to moderately wet items and is most effective if the entire drying process is steadily observed.

2. Freeze Drying

Freeze drying involves the use of freezers in drying out water-damaged items. Carpets, clothes, and single sheets of paper can be air-dried, but bound volumes, artworks, and family keepsakes should be freeze-dried. Professionals use industrial freezers for water removal, but homeowners can use their no-frost home freezer and find that it can work just as well.

Place water-damaged items inside the freezer as soon as possible. This will stop the water from spreading and will impede further damage. Maintain the freezer temperature below -10 degrees F to keep the items from warping and distorting. Freeze drying will work even better if the water-damaged items are spread out inside the freezer instead of being stacked on top of one other. Expect freeze drying to take several weeks to a few months before complete water removal is achieved.

3. Dehumidification

Dehumidification simply means removing humidity from inside the house. Professionals use large commercial dehumidifiers for this water removal method, but there are simpler ways of lowering humidity levels.

Open all doors and windows. This will let humidity-decreasing sunlight and air inside the house. Remove items like carpets and rugs as these could trap excess moisture within their material. Install exhaust fans and air vents in the kitchen, the bathroom, and other areas of the house that are prone to water damage. Lastly, use air conditioners to control the temperature and humidity levels inside the house.