Natural disasters can leave behind a range of health and safety challenges. Hurricanes like Helene and Milton, as well as other destructive events, often bring flooding, structural damage, and environmental hazards that require thorough cleanup. In these situations, knowing where to start and selecting the right cleaning products for the job can make a difficult process much more manageable. Sterifab—an unique EPA-registered product combining a disinfectant, virucide, and insecticide in one—can be an invaluable choice for handling these varied challenges.
Cleaning up after a flood or storm isn’t just about removing visible debris. Contaminants like bacteria, viruses, and mold, along with insects or other pests, are frequently part of the aftermath. These issues require specific approaches, and choosing the right products for each cleanup task can reduce both immediate and long-term hazards.
For more on the risks insects can bring, take a look at this blog, Insects and Illness: Comparing the Health Risks Posed by Common Bugs.
The Unseen Risks of Disaster Damage
Hurricanes, floods, and even wildfires introduce unique sanitation problems. Floodwaters may bring contaminants into homes and buildings, while damp, soft surfaces become breeding grounds for bacteria, mold, and insects. As Charlene Mertz, a regional manager at Nisus Corporation, shared after a difficult encounter with Hurricane Milton, “I, too, found myself tasked with tending to a leak throughout an entire night when Uncle Milton stopped by. So, I turned to Sterifab for a quick, effective treatment to kill any bacteria on all soft surface items that got soaked. Ran a portable box fan, strategically placed and periodically moved, to dry the soaked, now treated surface areas for a couple of days. This worked very well for me.”
Charlene’s experience highlights the often-overlooked dangers that can linger in a home’s fabrics, carpets, and furniture after flooding or water intrusion. Without proper treatment, these surfaces can harbor germs and encourage pest infestations.
When facing the aftermath of a natural disaster, these unseen threats can be as concerning as visible damage. After water intrusion, it’s easy to overlook areas where bacteria and pests can quietly thrive. Addressing these issues head-on requires a careful selection of cleaning products that can tackle multiple hazards effectively. That’s where a streamlined approach to cleanup becomes essential—ensuring that each area receives the right kind of treatment to make the space usable again.
Step One: Choosing the Right Products for the Job
The overwhelming cleanup process after a disaster can make it difficult to know where to begin. Understanding your primary goals—disinfection, insect control, or both—helps in choosing the right product. Sterifab is a versatile option that disinfects and kills insects without leaving a lasting residue, making it well-suited for fabrics, furniture, and other porous surfaces where bacteria and insects might be hiding. Because it’s non-residual, it’s gentle on soft surfaces and won’t leave behind harmful residues, allowing you to continue cleaning without worry of lingering chemicals.
When selecting a cleaning solution, it’s essential to consider each space’s unique needs. Areas exposed to floodwater may require extensive disinfection and insect treatment to address the various contaminants in standing water. With Sterifab, a single application can cover both needs.
Step Two: Prioritize Moisture Control
Before beginning disinfection, removing excess moisture is key. Waterlogged items like rugs, upholstery, and mattresses should be separated, dried, or discarded based on the level of contamination. Portable fans and dehumidifiers are useful tools to speed up drying, helping reduce the spread of mold and bacteria. In Charlene’s case, she used a box fan to accelerate the drying process after applying Sterifab to soaked surfaces. While Sterifab addresses bacteria and pests, ensuring surfaces dry out thoroughly helps prevent mold, another common hazard after water damage.
Step Three: Disinfect and Treat for Pests
Once surfaces are dry, it’s time to tackle germs and pests. For this step, a product like Sterifab can simplify the process. Offering both germ-killing and pest-fighting capabilities, it’s a smart choice for spaces impacted by water damage or leaks. It’s especially effective on mattresses, carpets, and upholstered furniture, which often become a refuge for bacteria, viruses, and insect pests after exposure to floodwaters.
Additionally, Sterifab also kills bed bugs. It’s true—Sterifab is a fast-acting solution that not only disinfects but also targets bed bugs on contact, helping you reclaim your space quickly. For essential tips and best practices, check out Killing Bed Bugs 101: The Do’s and Don’ts to ensure you’re handling these pests effectively.
Sterifab’s unique qualities make it a good choice for disaster cleanup scenarios, as it doesn’t leave any residue that could affect sensitive surfaces or create buildup. This makes it perfect to use in high-contact areas where people may touch surfaces frequently during cleanup and recovery efforts.
Step Four: Regular Monitoring for Long-Term Control
The immediate post-disaster phase isn’t the end of the cleanup process. Even after treating surfaces, keeping an eye out for any returning signs of mold, bacteria, or pests is essential. High-humidity environments, in particular, create an ongoing risk for bacterial and insect resurgence. Consider a follow-up inspection of treated areas and apply additional disinfectants or insecticides if necessary. Additionally, maintaining airflow and ventilation in previously flooded areas helps reduce any lingering moisture and potential issues over time.
And check out these 6 Killer Tricks to a Pest-Free Home!
Looking Beyond Immediate Cleanup Needs
When a disaster hits, the urge to “get everything clean” can be overwhelming, but taking a thoughtful, structured approach yields the best results. Focusing first on moisture control, using versatile, non-residual products like Sterifab for disinfection and insect treatment, and keeping an eye on high-risk areas afterward all contribute to a more effective and thorough cleanup.
A single product won’t address every issue, but Sterifab’s multi-functional properties offer a solid start. And in challenging situations—like Charlene’s night-long battle with “Uncle Milton”—Sterifab provides a practical, user-friendly option that streamlines the recovery process, helping restore spaces affected by hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters.
And if the cleanup feels like too much to handle on your own, calling in the pros can make all the difference. With the right equipment and expertise, they can quickly tackle everything from water damage to pest control, ensuring a thorough, stress-free restoration, so you can focus on getting back to normal.
Ready to tackle post-storm clean-up like a pro? Order a bottle of Sterifab and roll up your sleeves.
