Rainy weather has become increasingly difficult to predict, especially with climate change.

As the current monsoon flooding shows, sudden deluges can severely damage ground floor furniture, appliances, and interior finishes. We asked Mike Gamez, owner of Cleeneco—a trusted cleaning service with 22 years of experience—to share his top tips for protecting furniture from water damage.

Safety first

Unplug all electrical devices and switch off the power in the affected areas. If flooding is severe, wear protective gear such as rubber boots and gloves.

Remove furniture from water

Remove furniture from the wet area, if possible. Brush off all the mud, then hose down to remove dirt. If the pieces smell foul, wash them with a mild liquid detergent or a baking soda solution, then rinse thoroughly. Work gently to avoid damaging fabrics. Make sure to do this immediately.