How to Restore Items After They’ve Been Water Damaged (Chicago Homeowner’s Guide)

Chicago Homes Face Unique Water Risks

Between lake-effect storms, aging plumbing, and freezing winters, Chicagoland homes are at constant risk of water damage. The Insurance Information Institute notes that 98% of basements will experience water damage during their lifetime (III.org).

For residents in historic Chicago neighborhoods like Logan Square and Lakeview, or North Shore suburbs like Winnetka and Glencoe, the threat is real: outdated pipes, older wiring, and finished basements mean higher costs when water strikes. Add in the emotional toll of losing family belongings, and water damage becomes more than just a property issue—it’s deeply personal.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety

Before you even think about drying belongings:

• Shut off electricity in the affected area (NFPA).
• Avoid standing water if sewage may be involved (Category 3).
• Use PPE: rubber gloves, N95 mask, waterproof boots.
• Document everything with photos or video for insurance (FEMA).

Step 2: Identify the Water Category

The IICRC S500 Standard separates water damage into categories:

• Category 1 (Clean Water): Supply line leaks, rainwater.
• Category 2 (Grey Water): Appliance leaks, sump failures, aquarium leaks.
• Category 3 (Black Water): Sewage backups, river flooding.

👉 Porous items (textiles, carpets, books, stuffed toys) exposed to Category 2 or 3 water are typically unsafe to restore. Learn more in our blog: Types of Water Damage: Classes & Categories in Chicago.

Step 3: Triage and Decide What to Save

In the first 24 hours, prioritize:

• High-value or irreplaceable items (photos, heirlooms, electronics).
• Non-porous belongings exposed only to Category 1 water.
• Quick discard of contaminated porous items like mattresses, carpet padding, and particleboard.

This step reduces risk and ensures you don’t waste precious time trying to restore unsafe or unsalvageable items.

Step 4: Drying Strategies That Work

Per the Library of Congress Preservation Division (loc.gov):

• Use dehumidifiers, low-power fans, or AC.
• Open windows if weather is mild and dry.
• Avoid direct heat (hair dryers, irons, sunlight). These can warp or destroy fragile materials.

Step 5: Special Handling for Different Items

Photos & Documents

• Rinse gently in clean water.
• Air-dry flat on paper towels.
• If no time: freeze in sealed bags—this halts mold and ink damage until professional freeze-drying (National Archives).

Books

• Stand upright with pages slightly fanned.
• Interleave absorbent paper towels between sections.
• Replace frequently to prevent mold.

Upholstered Furniture

• Blot and elevate cushions if Category 1.
• Discard if exposed to Category 2 or 3 water due to contamination risks.

Electronics

• Unplug immediately and do not power on.
• Professional restoration may salvage items if corrosion hasn’t advanced too far.

Step 6: Call in the Professionals

DIY efforts can only go so far. At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we provide:

• Vacuum freeze-drying for photos, books, and documents.
• Ultrasonic cleaning for fragile contents.
• Electronics restoration for corroded devices.
• Pack-out services with inventory tracking, climate-controlled storage, and deodorization.

These specialized methods often succeed where at-home drying fails.

Step 7: Prevent Mold Growth

The EPA warns that mold growth can begin within 24–48 hours (EPA). To reduce risk:

• Keep humidity under 50%.
• Use HEPA air movers and dehumidifiers.
• Contain wet areas to prevent cross-contamination.
• Inspect hidden cavities with moisture meters.

👉 Learn more in our guide: 5 Hidden Signs of Water Damage Most Homeowners Miss.

Step 8: Document for Insurance

Insurance coverage for belongings can be complicated. Many policies exclude flood water or limit payouts for jewelry, electronics, and collectibles. Thorough documentation—photos, receipts, professional assessments—can make or break a claim.

For deeper insights, see:

• The Complete Guide to Water Damage Insurance Claims in Illinois
• 5 Things NOT Covered by Homeowners Insurance

Step 9: Know What to Discard

Per FEMA guidelines: “When in doubt, throw it out.” Items usually unsalvageable include:

• Pillows and mattresses
• Carpet and padding
• Stuffed toys
• Insulation
• Low-cost particleboard furniture

This clears space for safe restoration work and protects your family’s health.

FAQs: Water-Damaged Belongings in Chicago

How fast should I act after water damage?
You should begin addressing water damage within the first 24 hours. Mold can start to develop in 24–48 hours, especially in Chicago’s humid summers or tightly sealed basements. Immediate drying improves the chance of saving items like books, photographs, and electronics. If water is contaminated, avoid DIY and call an IICRC-certified professional immediately to prevent health risks.

Can I freeze items at home to buy time?
Yes. Freezing is endorsed by the Library of Congress and the National Archives for wet documents, photos, and textiles. Place items in sealed bags in your freezer—this halts mold growth and ink bleeding until a restoration professional can use vacuum freeze-drying. This method is especially useful after Chicago storms or basement floods when you simply don’t have time to address everything at once.

Are Category 3 water-damaged items ever safe to restore?
Generally no. Category 3 water (sewage, floodwater) contains dangerous contaminants. Porous items—mattresses, upholstery, insulation—should be discarded for health reasons. Non-porous items like glass or metal may be salvageable with professional disinfection. The IICRC S500 standard is clear: safety outweighs sentiment when contamination is present.

What about sentimental textiles like quilts or heirlooms?
Textiles exposed to clean (Category 1) water may sometimes be saved using professional textile cleaning and controlled drying methods. Quilts, wedding gowns, or antique fabrics require specialty care to prevent shrinkage and color bleeding. If exposed to Category 2 or 3 water, most textiles must be discarded to protect health, though professionals may attempt restoration for display-only purposes. Types of Water Damage: Classes & Categories in Chicago

Does insurance cover water-damaged belongings?
It depends. Standard homeowners' policies typically cover sudden and accidental discharges (burst pipes, appliance leaks) but not floods or seepage. Coverage limits also apply to valuable items such as jewelry or electronics. Illinois homeowners should review policies closely and document all items with photos and receipts. For guidance, see our blog on Illinois Water Damage Insurance Claims.

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

Founded in Chicago in 1929, ServiceMaster is the nation’s oldest restoration brand. Locally, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has provided 40+ years of trusted service across Chicago, the North Shore, Lake County, Oak Park, River Forest, and DuPage County.

Led by Nasutsa Mabwa (CEO) and Sam Simon (IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer), our firm is:

• A member of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA)
• An IICRC Certified Firm (verify here)
• Winner of the BBB Torch Award, Chicago Star Award, Stevie® Award
• Co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset

Call us anytime:

• Chicago: (773) 376-1110
• North Shore & Lake County: (847) 316-9145
• Oak Park & River Forest: (708) 524-0304