by Andrey Zhilin, cleaning specialist
When a hurricane sweeps through Florida, it leaves more than just downed trees and flooded streets — it leaves hidden messes that can compromise your home’s safety, hygiene, and long-term value. As someone who has helped Florida families recover after dozens of storms, I can tell you: cleaning up properly is just as critical as boarding up windows before landfall.
This isn’t just about mopping up water. It’s about knowing what to clean, where to look, and what to do immediately — and what can wait.
Here’s my trusted post-hurricane cleaning checklist to get your home back on track safely.
1. Ensure Safety First
Before any cleaning starts, confirm the following:
- Power is OFF if water entered the home
- No downed power lines or gas leaks nearby
- Wear gloves, boots, and an N95 mask
- Document all damage for insurance before cleanup
2. Remove Standing Water
Flooded interiors? Act fast:
- Use wet/dry vacuums or professional pumps
- Open doors and windows to ventilate
- Fans and dehumidifiers help prevent mold
- Never assume floors are safe — check for warping or buckling
3. Dry Out and Dehumidify
Humidity is already a problem in Florida — after a storm, it skyrockets.
- Run multiple dehumidifiers in affected areas
- Pull up carpets, padding, and rugs if soaked
- Disinfect hard floors with bleach solution (1 cup bleach per gallon of water)
4. Check for Hidden Moisture
This is where most homeowners make mistakes:
- Mold can start growing in 24–48 hours
- Inspect baseboards, cabinets, under appliances
- Use a moisture meter if available
- Don’t forget closets and inside HVAC ducts
5. Throw Out Contaminated Items
If floodwaters entered the home:
- Discard anything porous: mattresses, pillows, upholstered furniture
- Bag and dispose of spoiled food from the fridge/freezer
- Remove drywall and insulation that came into contact with water
6. Sanitize All Surfaces
Stormwater isn’t clean water. It may carry bacteria, sewage, and chemicals.
- Wipe down every hard surface — floors, counters, walls, even doorknobs
- Use EPA-approved disinfectants (not just all-purpose cleaners)
- Wash and dry all linens, curtains, and towels at high heat
7. Inspect Exterior Damage
Look beyond the inside:
- Gutters clogged with debris
- Roof shingles or flashing missing
- Cracks in the foundation or siding
- Standing water around the house — a mosquito breeding ground
8. Call in the Pros if Needed
Not everything should be DIY.
- Mold remediation
- Structural drying
- Deep sanitation after sewage backup
At Sharky, we offer emergency post-storm cleanups tailored to Florida homes — from floor disinfection to moisture control and odor removal.
Andrey’s Advice: Prepare Now for the Next Storm
The best post-hurricane cleanup starts before the storm ever hits. Protect valuables in waterproof bins. Know where your main water shutoff is. And have a trusted cleaning team — like Sharky — on speed dial for when the skies clear.
Read also: Why Sand Is the Silent Enemy of Your Beachfront Property
