The short answer
Stop the Water First
Before you do anything else, shut off the water supply to your washing machine. Look for the shutoff valves on the wall behind the washer, usually two small knobs. Turn them clockwise until they stop. If the leak is from a pipe, shut off the main water valve for your home, often located near the water meter or where the main line enters.
Once the water is off, unplug the washer and any other electronics in the room. Move wet items like rugs, towels, and boxes to a dry area. This keeps them from soaking up more moisture and makes the room easier to work in. If the water is deep, wear rubber boots and gloves for safety.
- Turn off washer shutoff valves clockwise
- Shut off main water valve if needed
- Unplug all electronics in the room
- Move rugs, towels, and boxes out
- Wear rubber boots and gloves
Remove Standing Water
Use a wet/dry vac to suck up standing water from the floor. Start at the lowest point and work your way across the room. If you don't have a wet/dry vac, use old towels to soak up water, wringing them into a bucket. Squeeze towels outside or into a drain.
Pay extra attention to corners, under the washer, and along baseboards where water hides. After removing the bulk of the water, go over the floor again with dry towels to pick up residual moisture. This step matters because leftover water seeps into drywall and flooring, causing more damage.
- Use a wet/dry vac for large puddles
- Start at the lowest point
- Wring towels into a bucket
- Check corners and under appliances
- Dry mop with towels after
Dry the Air and Surfaces
Open windows and doors to create cross ventilation. Set up fans to blow air across the wet floor and walls. Aim one fan at the wet area and another toward an open window to push humid air out. Run a dehumidifier in the room to pull moisture from the air, which speeds up drying.
Wipe down wet surfaces like the washer, dryer, and countertops with a dry cloth. If the drywall is wet, you can poke small holes in the bottom of the wall to let water drain out, but only if you know there are no pipes behind it. Keep fans running for at least 24 to 48 hours.
- Open windows and doors for airflow
- Position fans to blow across wet areas
- Run a dehumidifier continuously
- Wipe down appliances and counters
- Poke drain holes in wet drywall if safe
When to Call the Pros
If the water was clean and the drying goes well, you might handle it yourself. But if water sat for more than a day, or if you see mold starting, it's time to call local water damage pros. They have industrial fans, dehumidifiers, and moisture meters to dry out hidden areas.
The pros can also remove and replace wet insulation, drywall, or flooring if needed. They will inspect the room to find all the moisture, so you don't end up with mold later. If you have insurance, check your policy to see if water damage is covered. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
Need help right now?
Water keeps spreading into floors and walls, so it is worth acting early. Calls are answered 24/7.
Call Now (801) 383-0232Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to dry a laundry room?
With fans and a dehumidifier running, a small laundry room can dry in 24 to 48 hours. But it depends on how much water was present and what materials got wet. If the water soaked into drywall or insulation, drying can take longer.
Can I use a regular fan instead of a dehumidifier?
Yes, a regular fan helps move air and speed up evaporation. But a dehumidifier removes moisture from the air, which is more effective in a closed space. Use both for good results: fans to circulate air and a dehumidifier to pull out humidity.
What if the water came from a washing machine drain?
If the water came from a drain, it may be contaminated with soap and dirt. Clean surfaces with a mild detergent and water. Dry as you would with clean water. If you have concerns about bacteria, wear gloves and wash your hands afterward.