Cleaning Up Your Office or Strata Building After a Flood

Unsure of how to clean up after flooding?

Flood damage can be one of the most challenging situations to manage, whether it’s your office or strata building. Recent torrential rains and high winds (such as the recent Sydney flooding) have left many properties needing urgent attention to prevent further damage and ensure safety.

Cleaning up after a flood is a race against time. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of mold, bacteria, structural damage, and unpleasant odours. To help you navigate the process, we’ve put together this detailed guide on how to address flood damage effectively and efficiently.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

Floodwater doesn’t just bring water damage - it often carries bacteria, viruses, and toxins that can pose serious health risks. Within 24-48 hours of flooding:

• Mold begins to grow, exacerbating allergies and respiratory issues.
• Dampness encourages bacteria to multiply, making surfaces unsafe.
• Structural materials like wood and drywall begin to weaken.

The clock is ticking, and quick action is essential to minimise these risks.

Step 1: Ensure Safety Before You Begin

Before you dive into cleaning, make sure the area is safe to enter:

1. Turn off electricity: Floodwater can come into contact with electrical systems, posing a severe shock hazard. Call an electrician if needed.
2. Wear protective gear: Gloves, masks, and rubber boots are essential when dealing with floodwater, which can carry harmful pathogens.
3. Assess structural integrity: If you notice sagging ceilings, bulging walls, or structural shifts, call a professional before entering the building.

Step 2: Start Drying Within 48 Hours

Timing is everything when it comes to drying out a flooded area. The faster you act, the less likely mold and long-term damage will occur.

1. Call a Commercial Cleaning Company
   Professional cleaners have the tools and expertise to remove water and dry out the space quickly.

   • Wet/dry vacuums efficiently extract standing water.
   • Industrial-strength fans and dehumidifiers speed up the drying process.

2. Ventilate the Space
   Open windows and doors to improve airflow, but don’t rely solely on this step—it won’t be enough without additional drying equipment.

3. Prioritise High-Risk Areas
   Focus on places prone to mold, such as carpets, upholstery, and porous materials like drywall.

Step 3: Disinfect and Clean Thoroughly

Floodwaters often contain harmful contaminants, so cleaning can be pivitol to safety.

1. Use Professional-Grade Disinfectants
   Bacteria and viruses can linger on surfaces long after the water is gone. Disinfect hard surfaces, walls, floors, and even furniture.

2. Address Soft Materials

   • Carpets and rugs should be professionally cleaned or replaced if severely damaged.
   • Upholstered furniture should be evaluated for salvageability; some items may need to be discarded.

3. Don’t Forget Hidden Areas
   Floodwater can seep into unseen spaces like air ducts, behind walls, and under floors. Professionals can identify and treat these areas to prevent long-term damage.

Step 4: Discard Unsalvageable Items

Flood damage often means saying goodbye to certain materials:

• Throw away porous materials like insulation, carpet padding, and paper products that can’t be fully disinfected.
• For insurance claims, take photos of all damaged items before discarding them.

Step 5: Prevent Mold and Odours

Once the space is clean and dry, take steps to prevent lingering issues:

1. Run Ventilation Systems
   Bathroom fans, kitchen vents, and HVAC systems help move air and reduce dampness.
2. Apply Mold-Resistant Products
   Consider applying anti-mold sprays to high-risk areas like walls and floors.
3. Monitor for Odours
   If a musty smell persists, it’s a sign of hidden moisture - call a professional to investigate.

Step 6: Plan for Maintenance and Repairs

Flood damage can weaken your building’s structural integrity, so it’s crucial to schedule repairs promptly:

• Replace drywall, baseboards, and insulation as needed.
• Repaint walls with moisture-resistant paint to prevent future issues.
• Inspect HVAC systems, plumbing, and electrical wiring for hidden damage.

When to Call the Professionals

If the flood damage is extensive or overwhelming, calling a professional cleaning and restoration company is the best course of action. Here’s why:

• They have specialised equipment, such as industrial dehumidifiers, HEPA filters, and thermal imaging to detect hidden moisture.
• They can handle large-scale cleaning quickly, minimising downtime for your office or strata building.
• They ensure compliance with health and safety standards, especially in shared strata spaces.

Don’t Wait - Take Action Now

Waiting and hoping the problem resolves itself is a recipe for disaster. Here’s why immediate action is vital:

• Water left standing for more than 48 hours can cause irreversible structural damage.
• Mold growth can make the space uninhabitable.
• Lingering odours can affect tenant satisfaction and the overall atmosphere.

Cleancorp: Your Flood Cleanup Partner

At Cleancorp, we understand how stressful flood damage can be. With triple ISO certifications in Quality, Environmental Management, and Occupational Health & Safety, we’re equipped to handle any cleanup job with efficiency and care.

• We prioritise rapid response to minimise downtime.
• Our team uses advanced cleaning techniques to ensure your space is safe, dry, and ready for use.
• With over 27 years of experience, we’ve earned the trust of businesses and strata managers across Sydney and beyond.

Need Help After Recent Sydney Flooding?

Let us take the hard work off your hands. Call Cleancorp today at 1300 211 944 for a no-obligation quote and expert assistance.

Whether it’s water extraction, deep cleaning, or mold prevention, we’re here to help you get your office or strata building back to its best - quickly and safely.

Stay safe, stay dry, and let us handle the rest.