How to Dry out a Floor After Water Damage?

With the coming of the rainy season, the moisture in the air is accumulating more and more. The raised wooden floors, moldy walls, condensation on windows, and odors all make people feel terrible. This article will mainly talk about how to deal with water-damaged floors. Drying out a floor after water damage is crucial to prevent mold, warping, and structural deterioration. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

 

1. Ensure Safety First

People need to turn off the electricity in affected areas.

Before the restoration work, you need to wear protective gear, for example, gloves, a mask, and waterproof boots.

Then, you need to carefully identify the source of water and stop it. Usually, the leaky pipe, flood, and leaking appliance are the main reasons for the damage.

 

2. Remove Standing Water

It is suggested to use a wet/dry vacuum or a pump for large volumes to remove standing water. If there is remaining water on the floor, you can mop up smaller puddles with absorbent towels. 

Be thorough—water can seep under the flooring quickly.

 

3. Remove Wet Items

You need to take out furniture, rugs, and any movable items.

If carpets are affected, remove them to dry separately or discard if saturated.

 

4. Pull Up Flooring

For laminate, vinyl, or hardwood, you may need to lift sections to let the subfloor dry.

Tile floors may require removing grout or tiles if water gets underneath. Pull-up flooring is necessary for the deep dehumidification, or else, the material will rot from the inside and ruin the whole floor.

 

 5. Dry the Area Thoroughly

Relying on a natural method to dry out a whole room is impossible. People need help from multiple drying tools.

Restoration Dehumidifiers: It is crucial for drawing moisture from the air and the floor. LGR dehumidifiers are designed for water damage restoration and are especially good at removing moisture from the inside of items. The setting range of the target RH level is 20%- 90%. By using the dehumidifier for water damage, the drying process will be greatly shortened, and the indoor RH will be controlled at a low level, making sure that there is no risk of mold growth. The smart control will free you from staying at the restoration site.

High-speed air movers or fans: Air movers or fans can accelerate the indoor air circulation, thus accelerating the drying process. When using them, you need to place them across the room to circulate air. Air movers and dehumidifiers can be used together by connecting through daisy chains. If an area of the room is severely damaged, you can seal the area with plastic film and leave a ventilation opening, through which align one end of the air duct with the sealed area, and connect the other end to the air inlet of the dehumidifier. In this way, the dehumidifier can focus on dehumidifying a specific space. Run equipment 24–48 hours or longer, depending on severity. If you need high-quality commercial dehumidifiers and air movers, please get in touch with us as soon as possible!

 

6. Check for Hidden Moisture

Use a moisture meter on the floor and subfloor.

Look behind baseboards or wall cavities for trapped moisture.

 

7. Disinfect and Clean

After drying, sanitize with antimicrobial cleaners to prevent mold and bacteria.

Clean floors with appropriate disinfectant (e.g., vinegar for wood, bleach solution for concrete).

 

8. Inspect and Repair

Check for warping, buckling, or soft spots.

Replace damaged materials (flooring, underlayment) as needed.

Consider sealing or waterproofing floors afterward.

 

Extra Tips:

Act fast: Drying should begin within 24–48 hours to prevent mold growth.

For severe damage, consider calling a professional water restoration service.