It is almost impossible to salvage a few things that have been water-damaged. Soaked documents and books are two of the things which can prove to be impossible to restore. On the other hand, anything made of fabric can be easier to recover from water damage. So your wet clothes and upholstery can be recovered with a little bit of work.

Before attempting to remove and extract water from various water-damaged things in the house, it will be a good idea to read as much as possible on the methods involved in removing water from different types of items. Water-damaged items become fragile and weak. Lack of knowledge in dealing with them may lead to further damage to these already delicate items.

A few of the items along with tips to recover them from water damage are listed below.

How to dry tiles or linoleum?

Tiles and linoleum usually do not get affected by water damage easily. Simply opening the doors and windows of the house will help remove excess water. Turning on a fan will also speed up the process. However, if the water has trickled under the tiles and linoleum floors, you might need to remove them.

How can I dry my wooden surfaces?

If wood is exposed to water for a long period of time, it will become difficult to salvage it from water damage. Therefore, it is very important that wooden articles, boards and panels are dried as soon as possible. However, wooden items should not be dried under the sun. Sun will distort and further damage these water-damaged articles. Once dry, a wooden item may show signs of white water spots. Try and rub a little bit of wooden paint on these spots.

How can I dry my carpet and rugs?

Carpets and rugs absorb a lot of water. Therefore, it is very important that they are thoroughly cleaned to prevent further water damage. Make sure that all stains, smells and contaminants are removed from the water-damaged carpets and rugs. Dry your rugs and carpets outdoors in the sun. This will not only dry them quickly but also prevent the growth of molds. You may, however, have to remove the padding of the carpets and rugs. It will prove to be too expensive to restore them after water damage.

How can I dry my mattresses, cushions and pillows?

Wash your pillows in the washing machine. Allow your cushions to dry in fresh air and under direct sunlight.

Water-damaged mattresses, on the other hand, can be tough to restore. If you think that it will not be possible to restore a water-damaged mattress or it will be too costly, discard it and replace it with a new one. However, if you think that they can be restored easily, then go ahead. Disinfect these water-damaged mattresses. Use fans to dry them. Prop them up and put them under direct sunlight so that both sides are equally exposed to the sunlight.

How can I restore my photos, books and other papers?

If the books, photos and papers are only slightly wet, dry them inside your house. Place them on dry and clean floors and tables and allow them to dry under a fan. If they are extensively water-damaged, then take them to an expert for restoration.

Restoring your water-damaged articles can be exhausting. However, with some efforts and with the right information, you can restore many of your water-damaged articles at home itself.