The Complete Guide to Water Damage Cleanup & Drying Process (Chicagoland)

Understanding Cleanup vs. “Type” of Damage (Start Here)

Not all water losses are equal. Before you start, identify the type/category and class of the loss so your cleanup plan fits the risk. If you haven’t already, read our companion guide, Types of Water Damage in Chicagoland Homes (Category 1–3; Class 1–4), and then return here for the step-by-step cleanup and drying process.

First 10 Minutes: Safety & Stabilization

1. Shut off power & water (only if safe).
2. Stop the source (isolate appliance, close supply valves).
3. Document photos/video (wide shots + close-ups, time-stamped).
4. Avoid exposure to suspect sewage/floodwater; treat as Category 3 if unsure.
5. Call ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons for 24/7 response: (773) 376-1110 (Chicago) • (847) 316-9145 (North Shore/Lake County).

See also: Water Damage Insurance Claims (Illinois) – for coverage tips and documentation checklists.

DIY vs. Professional: Where’s the Line?

• DIY may be OK for small, clean water (Category 1) events in hard-surface areas caught quickly (Class 1).
• Call pros immediately for:
  • Suspected Category 2–3 water (dishwasher/sump backup/sewage, floodwater)
  • Class 3–4 saturation (wet ceilings, insulation, hardwood, plaster, concrete)
  • Any loss older than 24–48 hours (mold risk escalates fast)

The Professional Cleanup & Drying Workflow

1) Inspection, Metering & Mapping

• Moisture meters/thermal cameras locate hidden wet spots (wall cavities, sill plates, under cabinets).
• Determine Category (contamination) and Class (extent) to set the drying plan.

2) Containment & Safety

• Source isolation, PPE, and barrier containment for Category 2–3.
• Negative air with HEPA when demo/sanitizing contaminated areas.

3) Extraction (Speed = Success)

• Truck-mount or portable extraction removes bulk water first (fastest way to shorten dry time and mold risk).
• For carpet, wand + weighted extraction pulls water from pad prior to decisions on salvage vs. remove.

4) Material Decisions (Remove vs. Salvage)

• Porous + Cat 3 (carpet, pad, drywall, insulation, pressed wood): remove.
• Semi-porous (hardwood, plaster): evaluate cupping, coatings, dwell time; may salvage with specialty drying.
• Non-porous (tile, sealed concrete): clean/disinfect; dry subfloor or slab.

5) Structural Drying Setup

• Air movers to create evaporation across wet surfaces.
• Dehumidifiers (refrigerant or desiccant) to remove vapor from air.
• Temperature control to keep surfaces in the optimal drying band.
• Daily monitoring (moisture readings, equipment adjustments) until targets hit.

6) Cleaning, Disinfection & Odor Control

• Category 2–3: EPA-registered disinfectants, dwell times honored; soft goods sent for specialty cleaning or discarded.

7) Clearance & Rebuild

• Verify drying goals with meter readings; provide a dry log for your insurer.
• Move to reconstruction (drywall, trim, paint, flooring) once dry and cleared.

Drying by Material: Fast Tips

• Drywall: If seams swell or there’s Category 2–3 water, plan to cut 12–24 inches above the wet line for ventilation or removal.
• Insulation: Wet fiberglass can compress/lose R-value; remove and replace when saturated.
• Hardwood: Cupping? Use panel extraction + desiccant dehumidification and time; don’t sand until EMC stabilizes.
• Carpet/Pad: Category 1 and fast response → possible to salvage; otherwise remove pad and consider re-install.
• Concrete: Slow to dry (Class 4). Use desiccant and allow extra time; confirm with in-slab readings before flooring goes back.

Related reading: Types of Water Damage in Chicagoland Homes (why Class 4 takes longer and why Cat 3 = discard porous).

Mold Timeline & Prevention (24–48 Hours)

• Microbial growth can start within 24–48 hours if wet materials stay damp.
• Lower humidity quickly (dehumidifiers), increase airflow, and remove porous materials impacted by Category 3.

See also: (Coming Soon) Preventing Water Damage in Chicagoland Homes and Mold Remediation 101.

Contents, Textiles & Electronics

• Pack-out valuable items to a controlled environment.
• Soft goods: decide clean vs. replace based on category/time wet.
• Electronics: do not power on; consult restoration electronics partner.

Insurance Steps for Illinois Homeowners

1. Mitigate immediately (don’t wait for adjuster).
2. Share cause of loss (burst pipe vs. sewer backup) with photos/video.
3. Keep receipts, dry logs, and disposal lists.
4. Ask about endorsements (backup coverage, sump failure, mold limits).

Cross-reference: Water Damage Insurance Claims in Illinois.

When to Call ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

• 24/7 Emergency response across Chicagoland
• Certified IICRC technicians, RIA member
• Address: 420 W. Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60654
• Address: 8124 Ridgeway Avenue, Skokie, IL 60076
• Address: 790 Estate Drive, Deerfield, IL 60015
• Chicago/Northwest Suburbs: (773) 376-1110
• North Shore/Lake County: (847) 316-9145
• Oak Park/DuPage County: (708) 524-0304

Our Services (Quick Links)

• Water Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Specialty Cleaning
• Commercial Restoration

FAQs

Q1: How long does it take to dry a flooded basement?
Most Class 2–3 clean-water basements dry in 3–5 days with proper extraction, airflow, and dehumidification. Class 4 (concrete/hardwood) can take longer.

Q2: Can I use household fans instead of professional dehumidifiers?
Fans help evaporation, but without dehumidifiers, you can spread moisture and lengthen dry time. Use both, and monitor with a meter.

Q3: Do I have to remove the wet carpet pad?
Often, yes—especially if the water was standing or was a Category 2–3 flood. Pad retains moisture and slows drying.

Q4: Will insurance cover my water loss in Illinois?
Sudden/accidental events (such as a burst pipe) are typically covered; however, sewage backups/flooding often require endorsements. Document everything and start mitigation immediately.

Q5: Where can I find ServiceMaster near me?
We serve Chicago, Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, Glenview, Lake Forest, Oak Park, Addison, Naperville, and beyond. Call (773) 376-1110 or (847) 316-9145.