How To Clean After A Washing Machine Overflow

Washing machines are a convenience, until you find your laundry room flooded. Not only you may have to buy a new washing machine, but there's a mess to clean. 

Washing machine water is commonly clean, but water damage can lead to rotten floor boards and mold, if you don't treat it immediately. The best thing to do is stay calm, and clean up the water by following these guidelines.

Dry the Water

To clean the water; gather:

• plastic gloves
• towels
• mops
• fan or heater
• buckets 
• plastic storage tubs
• plastic cups 
• wet/dry vacuum

You must follow safety procedures to avoid electric shock. Don't disconnect the cord for several minutes, since it could still be wet, but shut off the water valves, which are commonly behind the machine.

If you can't find the valves, turn off the house's main' water supply. Avoid pressing "Cancel" because ti could make the problem worse by going to the next cycle.

After you disconnect the power, lay down towels, and mop as much water as possible  A wet/dry vacuum may be used in heavily flooded areas. Open windows, and set up fans or heaters to help speed drying. 

Remove Clothes and Drain Tub Water

Sometimes, the lid may lock on flooded washing machines. In this case, rotate the timer knob to unlatch the door, or refer to your manual.  

Remove wet clothes, place them in a bucket, and wring them out over a sink. Store the clothes in plastic storage tubs or large buckets Use the wet/dry vacuum to absorb water from the washer tub, or dip water out with a plastic cup. 

Inspect Washing Machine Hoses

Move the washing machine from the wall to access the hot and cold water supply hoses. The water supply hoses commonly have a single hose in between them.

Puddles on the floor may indicate a problem with damaged hoses or loose hose connections. Ensure all hose connections are tightened, and replace damaged hoses. When you replace or tighten hoses, run a cycle without clothes or powder, and check the hoses.

Prevent Flooding

To prevent future flooding:

• Don't cram too many clothes in the tub, which causes water to spew from an unbalanced machine. 
• Install a flood detector or auto shut-off valves to indicate when the machine starts to flood.
• Install a washing machine floor tray. Washing trays won't prevent flooding, but they can stop drips.
• When you leave on vacation, shut off the water valves.
• Be certain there hasn't been a recall on your machine.
• If you have a high-efficiency machine, use the appropriate detergent to avoid extra suds, which may overflow.

If you need more help, contact a company like A Nicer Reflection Cleaning & Restoration Inc.