The Need For Content Cleaning After Water Damage

Why Content Cleaning Is Essential After Water Damage

When your Chicagoland home suffers water damage, the visible destruction — soaked floors, damaged drywall, and ruined furniture — can feel overwhelming. But often, the greatest losses are the personal belongings that hold sentimental or practical value: heirlooms, documents, electronics, and keepsakes.

• Water Damage Restoration Services.

At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we understand that protecting your home means protecting everything in it. Our content cleaning services are designed to help homeowners recover after disaster strikes — minimizing losses and ensuring a safe, healthy environment.

What Happens to Contents After Water Damage?

• Document Destruction

Important papers — photos, legal documents, passports, certificates — are highly vulnerable. Water weakens paper fibers and encourages mold growth, making recovery time-sensitive.

• Electronics Damage

Water and electronics don’t mix. Moisture can cause corrosion, electrical shorts, or complete failure. Turning on water-damaged electronics can be hazardous without professional evaluation.

• Mold Growth

Mold thrives in wet, dark environments. Items like clothing, upholstery, books, and leather are prime targets, as they retain moisture and provide organic material for mold colonies.

• Mold Remediation Services

• Odors

Musty odors often signal hidden mold growth or lingering moisture inside contents. Without proper cleaning, these smells can persist and worsen over time.

Why Speed Matters

Mold can develop within 24–48 hours of water exposure. The longer contents stay wet:

• The harder they are to restore
• The greater the risk of permanent damage
• The higher the chance of contamination

That’s why immediate professional intervention is critical.

How ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons Protects Your Contents

We begin with a comprehensive assessment, categorizing items based on exposure and damage. Our technicians are IICRC-certified and trained in advanced cleaning methods tailored to various materials:

• Paper & Documents: Gentle drying techniques and mold-inhibiting treatments
• Electronics: Moisture removal, corrosion prevention, and ultrasonic cleaning when appropriate
• Textiles & Soft Goods: Specialized washing and antimicrobial treatments
• Furniture & Wood Items: Drying, deodorization, and refinishing as needed

Our team also carefully documents non-restorable items for insurance purposes, helping you with claims.

Odor Removal — Beyond Masking

Unlike basic sprays that only mask smells, our deodorization process:

• Neutralizes odors at their source
• Uses advanced equipment like hydroxyl generators and ozone treatments
• Ensures long-lasting results

Health & Safety First

Beyond saving your belongings, content cleaning protects your family’s health. Mold-contaminated items can:

• Trigger allergies
• Aggravate asthma
• Introduce harmful bacteria

Our process ensures your home is safe and your contents are cleaned to restoration standards.

When to Call for Content Cleaning

If your home experiences water damage, call ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons immediately. Our team responds quickly across Chicago, the North Shore, and DuPage County. The sooner we start, the better your chances of saving what matters most.

• Call 773-376-1110 or contact us online.

Why Choose Us?

• 40+ years of local expertise
• Nation’s oldest restoration brand (founded in Chicago in 1929)
• IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer certified
• Member of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA)
• Trusted by Chicagoland homeowners for decades

Learn more about our residential water damage services.

FAQs — Content Cleaning After Water Damage

What is content cleaning in water damage restoration?

Content cleaning refers to the process of cleaning, sanitizing, and restoring personal belongings affected by water damage, including furniture, electronics, documents, and keepsakes.

Can electronics be saved after water damage?

Yes, depending on the extent of exposure and how quickly professional cleaning begins. Moisture removal and corrosion prevention are key steps.

How long do I have before mold damages my belongings?

Mold can begin growing within 24–48 hours on damp items, so immediate action is vital to prevent permanent damage.

Does insurance cover content cleaning?

Many homeowner policies cover content cleaning as part of water damage restoration, but it varies. We document everything for your claim.

What types of items can be restored?

We restore documents, books, electronics, textiles, furniture, and more — though some items may be unsalvageable depending on the damage.

What odor removal methods do you use?

We use advanced deodorization techniques, including hydroxyl generators, ozone treatments, and antimicrobial cleaning to neutralize odors at the source.

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is a trusted leader in disaster restoration services, proudly serving Chicago, the North Shore, and DuPage County. As part of the nation’s oldest restoration brand, founded in Chicago in 1929, we bring 40+ years of local expertise to every job. Our team specializes in water damage restoration, fire damage cleanup, mold remediation, smoke odor removal, and specialty cleaning.

We are IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer certified and a member of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA), reflecting our commitment to the highest standards of quality and professionalism. From emergency response to full recovery, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons helps homeowners and businesses rebuild with confidence.

📞 Call 773-376-1110 or contact us online to learn more or request immediate assistance.