The short answer
Safety First Steps
Before you touch anything, shut off the water supply to the washer and the electricity to the laundry room at the breaker panel. If water is near any outlet or appliance, do not step in it. Wear rubber boots and gloves to protect yourself from contaminated water.
If the flooding came from sewage or a long-standing leak, the water may contain harmful bacteria. Open windows for ventilation. If you feel unwell or notice a strong odor, leave the area and see a doctor if symptoms develop. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Check your policy to see what your insurance covers.
Remove Standing Water
Use a wet/dry vacuum or a submersible pump to pull out as much water as possible. Work from the farthest corner toward the exit to avoid spreading moisture. Move the washer and dryer if you can, so you can reach water underneath them.
For large floods, a pump may be necessary, but for a laundry room, a wet/dry vac often does the job. If you are unsure about the extent of the water, a water damage inspection can help you understand the problem. Act quickly, because moisture soaks into wood and drywall fast.
- Turn off power before using any electrical equipment
- Wear waterproof gloves and boots
- Remove rugs and mats immediately
- Use a mop or towels for thin water layers
- Dispose of water in a drain or outside away from the house
Dry the Room Thoroughly
Set up fans and a dehumidifier to pull moisture from the air and surfaces. Point fans at walls, baseboards, and the floor. Open windows if outdoor humidity is low. Run the dryer on a cool setting to help dry the space, but only if the power is safe.
Drying can take days, not hours. If you have a crawlspace or basement below, check for moisture there too. Structural drying and dehumidification often involves professional equipment that reaches hidden spaces. For a laundry room, a portable dehumidifier is a good start, but it may not be enough for soaked insulation.
- Keep fans running for at least 48 hours
- Remove baseboards if they are wet
- Drill small holes in drywall to let it dry, if needed
- Check behind the washer for pooled water
- Use a moisture meter to test wood and drywall
Clean and Disinfect Surfaces
After drying, wash hard surfaces like tile, concrete, and metal with a mild detergent and water. Then apply a disinfectant to kill bacteria and mold spores. Pay attention to corners, under the washer, and behind the dryer, where grime collects.
Use a solution of one part bleach to ten parts water for non-porous surfaces, but test a small area first. For porous materials like wood cabinets, a cleaner designed for mold may work better. If you see mold growth, a mold professional can assess the extent and suggest safe removal.
Decide What to Keep or Toss
Items like cardboard boxes, fabric, and insulation that soaked up floodwater are hard to clean and may harbor mold. It is often safer to discard them. For washable fabrics, launder them in hot water with detergent, and dry on high heat if possible.
For valuable items like upholstered furniture or documents, professional cleaning may help. On-site contents cleaning can handle many household items. If you live in Layton, keep a list of items you need to clean or replace for your insurance records. When in doubt, throw it out, because mold spreads quickly.
Water damage does not wait
Phones are answered 24/7 for Layton and nearby communities.
Call Now (801) 383-0232Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to dry a flooded laundry room?
Drying can take anywhere from two days to a week, depending on the amount of water, the materials in the room, and the drying equipment you use. If the water soaked into drywall or wood, it will take longer. Professional dehumidifiers can speed up the process.
Can I clean the laundry room myself?
You can handle small spills or minor flooding with a wet/dry vacuum and fans. For large floods, contaminated water, or if you notice mold, it is safer to call local water damage pros. They have the right equipment and knowledge to dry and clean thoroughly.
What should I do with wet drywall?
Wet drywall often needs to be cut out and replaced, especially if it is soaked or shows signs of mold. You can drill holes to let it dry if it is only slightly damp, but if it crumbles or has a musty smell, remove it. Check your policy to see if this is covered.