Once more, if you can’t safely approach the area of the flooding, don’t! You’re much better off waiting for experts to help. However, if you can, start drying hardwood flooring by removing other items from the area and placing them somewhere else to dry. Next, remove as much of the water as you can with a wet vacuum. Don’t make the mistake of stopping because it doesn’t look like there’s any more water to vacuum up. Hardwood floors are porous, meaning a lot of water will have soaked into them. Once the area is dry, scrub it with a non-sudsy disinfectant, then vacuum again to remove any moisture left behind. Install a dehumidifier near the affected area and run it for at least 24 hours to dry the wood thoroughly. You might also want to run strong fans to boost the effects. Keep an eye on the floor and the surrounding area in the coming days and weeks. If you notice any signs that mold or mildew is developing, scrub it away with a mixture of baking soda and water. Our technicians will also help you monitor for mold during the restoration process.