The short answer
Safety First
Flash flood mud can hide sharp debris, sewage, and chemicals. Turn off power to flooded areas before you touch anything. Wear rubber boots, gloves, and a mask to protect yourself from contaminants.
If you feel unwell or notice a strong odor, stop and leave the area. See a doctor if you have any symptoms. Your health matters more than saving belongings. For large or unsafe situations, local water damage pros have the right gear and experience.
Remove Water and Mud
Use a pump or wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water first. Then shovel out the thickest mud while it is still wet. The longer mud sits, the harder it becomes and the more it dries into surfaces.
Work from the edges toward the center to avoid spreading mud. For a flooded basement, remove water and mud in stages, allowing the area to dry between passes. The pros often handle this with industrial equipment.
Shovel mud into a wheelbarrow for disposal.
Avoid walking on slippery, muddy floors.
Check for hidden debris before you step.
Open windows for ventilation while you work.
Clean and Disinfect
After removing the bulk of the mud, hose down walls, floors, and hard surfaces with clean water. Scrub with a brush and a mild detergent to lift remaining dirt. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Disinfect surfaces that touched floodwater, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Use a bleach solution or a commercial disinfectant, following the label directions. Let the disinfectant sit for the recommended time before rinsing again.
Mix one cup of bleach with one gallon of water for hard surfaces.
Wear eye protection when using bleach.
Test a small area first on colored surfaces.
Dispose of sponges and cloths that touched floodwater.
Do not mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners.
Dry Everything Thoroughly
Damp mud leaves moisture that encourages mold growth. Use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows to dry the area completely. Remove wet drywall, insulation, and carpeting if they are soaked, as they are hard to save.
Aim to dry the space within 24 to 48 hours. In dry climates, the air can help speed up the process. For deep moisture in walls or floors, structural drying equipment may be needed.
Run a dehumidifier for several days.
Point fans at wet walls and floors.
Pull up wet carpets and padding.
Cut out wet drywall at least 12 inches above the water line.
Check for hidden moisture with a moisture meter.
Salvage Belongings
Some items can be cleaned, others cannot. Hard, non-porous items like glass, metal, and plastic can often be washed and disinfected. Porous items like mattresses, pillows, and stuffed animals are hard to clean and may need to be thrown away.
Books and important papers can be frozen to prevent mold until you can deal with them. For upholstery and carpets, professional cleaning may help, but mud can be stubborn. If you are unsure, ask a professional for advice.
Rinse mud off outdoor furniture with a hose.
Wash clothing in hot water with detergent.
Discard food that touched floodwater.
Photograph damaged items for your records.
Dry items in the sun when possible.
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Call (801) 383-0232 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (801) 383-0232Frequently asked questions
Can I clean mud myself or should I hire a pro?
You can handle small, thin mud layers with basic tools. But if the mud is deep, contaminated, or covers a large area, hiring the pros is safer. They have industrial vacuums, disinfectants, and drying equipment to do the job thoroughly.
What should I throw away after a flood?
Throw away anything porous that touched floodwater, such as mattresses, pillows, carpet padding, and drywall. Also discard food, drinks, and medicine. Keep hard, non-porous items like glass and metal if you can clean them well. When in doubt, throw it out.
How do I prevent mold after cleaning mud?
Dry everything within 24 to 48 hours. Use fans and dehumidifiers to pull moisture out of walls and floors. Remove wet materials that cannot dry quickly. Disinfect surfaces to kill mold spores. If you see mold growing, address it promptly to avoid health issues.