Water Damage Restoration Melbourne has been helping homeowners and businesses all over Melbourne recover from storm flooding, burst pipes, and other water disasters for over 20 years. Our team knows how to act fast, clean safely, and restore your space properly before mould, smells, and structural damage take hold.
In this article, you’ll learn exactly what to expect during a professional flood damage cleaning service. We’ll walk you through the step-by-step process, average costs, and what to do while you wait for help to arrive.
Key Takeaways
- Professional flood damage cleaning in Melbourne includes moisture detection, water extraction, structural drying, disinfection, and air purification.
- Certified technicians use tools like thermal cameras, LGR dehumidifiers, and HEPA air scrubbers to prevent hidden damage and health risks.
- Restoration techniques vary depending on contamination levels (clean, grey, or black water), including biohazard protocols when necessary.
- Mould can develop within 24–48 hours, and delays can lead to worsening structural damage.
- Includes detailed documentation and reports to streamline claims with Australian insurers.
- Post-cleanup air testing is recommended, particularly for vulnerable individuals with asthma, allergies, or weakened immunity.
Why You Need Professional Flood Cleaning
Flood and water damage pose far more than just surface-level inconvenience. Hiring a certified flood restoration Melbourne specialist ensures health, safety, and structural integrity are protected.
Hidden Health Hazards
Floodwater can carry bacteria, sewage, chemicals, and other contaminants. Exposure, even briefly, can trigger infections, respiratory issues, or allergic reactions.
According to the NSW Health, exposure to mould and contaminants after flooding can significantly impact health, especially for those with asthma or compromised immunity.
Structural Risk
Water seeps into foundations, wall cavities, subfloors, and timber framing, causing warping, swelling, and eventual weakening of your home’s structure.
Mould Grows Fast
Mould spores can develop within 24–48 hours. Left untreated, mould and mildew hide beneath floorboards, behind skirting, or inside insulation, creating long-term health and repair issues.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that mould exposure post-flooding can pose serious health risks and should be addressed promptly by professionals.
Insurance Compliance
Most Australian insurance companies require a certified flood restoration report to process claims. Attempting DIY clean-up can risk claim rejection.
The Flood Damage Cleaning Process (Step by Step)
When you call a certified flood restoration team in Melbourne, every step is designed to protect your property, health, and long-term safety.
1. Moisture Inspection and Damage Assessment
The first step in professional flood restoration is a comprehensive moisture detection survey. Using thermal imaging cameras, technicians identify temperature anomalies behind surfaces like plaster, timber, or brick, often indicating trapped moisture not visible to the eye. This allows early identification of water intrusion into critical structural components such as wall cavities, ceiling voids, and subfloor zones.
Digital moisture meters are used to directly measure moisture levels in specific materials such as gypsum, wood framing, insulation, and concrete. These readings are not just for diagnostics, they establish a quantifiable moisture baseline to track drying progress and validate when affected areas are truly dry.
All findings are recorded with timestamped photos and calibrated moisture readings, forming the foundation of your insurance claim report. This step ensures fast, accurate assessment, helping prevent hidden mould growth, material warping, and structural deterioration that often occur when water damage goes undetected.
2. Emergency Water Extraction
Rapid water removal is critical to halt structural damage and reduce health risks. Certified technicians deploy submersible pumps for areas with high water levels, ideal for flooded basements or submerged floors. In contrast, portable wet/dry vacuums are used in tight spaces or rooms with shallow pooling, such as laundry areas or hallways.
The extraction method is adjusted based on the water classification:
- Clean water (e.g., from burst pipes) is extracted and monitored with minimal hazard.
- Grey water (e.g., from washing machines or dishwashers) requires mid-level containment and surface sanitation.
- Black water (e.g., sewage or floodwater) demands biohazard protocols, including containment barriers, PPE, and separate waste disposal procedures due to microbial and chemical contaminants.
Extraction covers hard flooring, timber structures, skirting boards, and soft absorbent surfaces. Technicians ensure that all visible and hidden water is removed to stop further seepage into subfloors, insulation, or structural timber—key risk zones for rot and mould proliferation.
Book Emergency Water Removal Now3. Structural Drying and Dehumidification
Once water is removed, the drying phase begins; critical to stop mould growth, timber decay, and internal structural damage. Technicians use air movers to accelerate evaporation from surfaces, while commercial-grade dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and materials.
Two primary dehumidifier types are deployed based on the environment:
- LGR (Low-Grain Refrigerant) dehumidifiers are ideal for humid Melbourne conditions, efficiently removing moisture even at low humidity levels.
- Desiccant dehumidifiers are preferred in cooler environments or unheated spaces, such as garages or crawl spaces, where traditional refrigerant systems are less effective.
For hard-to-reach moisture, advanced drying techniques are used:
- Injection drying channels dry air into wall cavities, skirting voids, and plasterboard without demolition.
- Tenting methods involve sealing off small zones (e.g., wood floors) with plastic sheeting to create high-efficiency microclimates, speeding up targeted evaporation.
Moisture levels are digitally logged and monitored daily using calibrated meters to ensure all structural materials return to safe, dry standards, usually within 24 to 72 hours, depending on the extent of water exposure and airflow quality.
4. Deep Cleaning and Surface Disinfection
After drying is complete, sanitisation neutralises any remaining bacteria, viruses, and fungal spores. Professional-grade disinfection begins with hospital-grade antimicrobial solutions tailored to contamination type:
- Quaternary ammonium compounds are applied to kill a broad spectrum of bacteria and viruses across hard surfaces, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and high-contact zones like door handles and light switches.
- Hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectants are used for deodorising carpets and soft furnishings, while also helping suppress mould spores on porous materials.
To ensure uniform coverage and deep penetration:
- ULV (Ultra-Low Volume) foggers are used to mist disinfectant into air ducts, ceiling cavities, and soft surfaces, achieving wide-area sanitation with minimal moisture residue.
- Electrostatic sprayers charge disinfectant particles to cling evenly to surfaces, including irregular or hidden areas like furniture joints and appliance undersides.
This process restores hygiene to both visible surfaces and hard-to-reach interiors, reducing odour, improving air quality, and preparing your space for safe reoccupation.
The Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare (2019) emphasize the importance of environmental cleaning and air filtration in reducing the risk of infection transmission in healthcare settings.
5. Mould Prevention and Indoor Air Purification
Preventing mould regrowth and restoring clean air is a critical final phase of flood restoration. Once surfaces are disinfected, the focus shifts to air quality management and long-term health protection.
Technicians deploy HEPA-filter air scrubbers, which capture airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns including mould spores, bacteria, pollen, and fine dust. These devices continuously cycle and purify indoor air, significantly reducing airborne contamination during and after cleanup.
For severe odours or high microbial load, ozone generators may be used in vacant or sealed areas. Ozone oxidises volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and kills airborne microbes, though use is restricted to unoccupied zones due to respiratory sensitivity.
To ensure the environment is truly safe, indoor air quality (IAQ) testing is strongly recommended, particularly for households with asthma, allergies, elderly residents, or immunocompromised individuals. Post-cleanup monitoring includes:
- Laser particle counters to detect residual airborne particulates.
- Formaldehyde and VOC sensors to check for chemical off-gassing from wet building materials.
This step validates that mould has not only been removed from surfaces but also from the breathing space ensuring a clean, safe, and healthy indoor environment.
Schedule Your Air Quality Test TodayHow Much Does Flood Damage Cleaning Cost in Melbourne?
Flood restoration costs in Melbourne depend on the water type (clean, grey, or black), how much of the property is affected, and how quickly the cleanup begins. Larger homes and delays increase costs, as does damage to materials like carpets, timber, or plaster. The more complex the job, the higher the restoration cost. Here’s the average price guide:
| Service | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Inspection & Moisture Mapping | $200 – $500 |
| Water Extraction | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Structural Drying | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Mould Remediation | $500 – $6,000+ |
| Full Flood Restoration | $1,000 – $20,000+ |
For a comprehensive cost guide, visit our article about flood damage restoration cost.
What To Do Before Flood Damage Restoration Begins
While waiting for professional help to arrive:
- Turn off the power if water is near electrical outlets or appliances to prevent electrocution risks.
- Move valuables including electronics, documents, and furniture to a dry, elevated area.
- Take clear photos of all visible water damage for your insurance claim and restoration records.
- Avoid using fans if there’s a chance of mould; airflow can spread spores and worsen air quality.
Why Homeowners Trust Water Damage Restoration Melbourne
Choosing a reliable flood restoration service in Melbourne can make all the difference. Here’s why property owners across the city trust us:
- Prompt 1-Hour Response Time – We act fast to minimise flood water damage and protect your property from further harm.
- 20+ Years of Local Experience – Proven track record in restoring homes and businesses throughout Melbourne.
- IICRC-Certified Technicians – Trained in water damage cleanup, hygiene protocols, and structural drying techniques.
- 24/7 Emergency Flood Service – Available day or night in every Melbourne suburb.
- Insurance-Ready Reporting – Complete documentation for smoother claims and faster approvals.
- Melbourne-Based, Friendly Team – We know the area, care about the outcome, and treat your space like our own.
Call Us Today for Fast Flood Damage Cleaning in Melbourne
Don’t wait, flood damage gets worse the longer it sits. Our team at Water Damage Restoration Melbourne is standing by 24/7 to help with fast, professional flood cleanup and restoration services.
Need urgent flood cleanup in Melbourne?
Our certified experts respond within the hour to protect your home from lasting damage.
Get a Free Inspection Now ➔Frequently Asked Questions
Can furniture be cleaned after a flood?
Yes, some furniture can be professionally cleaned after a flood, especially if it’s made of solid wood or metal. Items like upholstered couches or particleboard cabinets may absorb contaminated water and become unsafe or unsalvageable. Restoration experts assess each piece based on water exposure level (clean, grey, or black water) and material type. If the item holds value, it may be deep cleaned, disinfected, and deodorised using antimicrobial agents and drying chambers.
How do you disinfect a floor after a flood?
Disinfecting a flooded floor starts after all standing water is extracted and the surface is completely dry. Professionals apply hospital-grade disinfectants and antimicrobial solutions to kill bacteria, viruses, and mould spores. For timber and concrete floors, deep sanitisation helps stop moisture from penetrating below. In homes affected by black or grey water, disinfection is mandatory to ensure hygiene and safety.
How to clean up mould after a flood?
Cleaning mould after a flood involves more than wiping it away. First, affected areas must be dried and isolated. Then, mould is removed using HEPA vacuums and specialised cleaning agents. Antifungal sprays are applied to kill spores, and air scrubbers with HEPA filters clean the surrounding air. For widespread contamination or hidden mould, professional remediation is essential to avoid health risks and regrowth.
How to get smell out of house after flood?
To remove the smell out of house, professionals use industrial dehumidifiers and HEPA air scrubbers to dry out and purify the air. Surfaces are cleaned with antimicrobial and deodorising agents. Carpets and fabrics may need hot-water extraction or replacement if the smell persists. Air quality testing may also be recommended for long-term comfort.
How long does it take to dry out a room after a flood?
With professional drying equipment, most Melbourne homes dry out within 24 to 72 hours, depending on humidity, ventilation, and how soon the process begins. Structural drying uses air movers and industrial dehumidifiers to target walls, subfloors, and insulation. Delays in starting cleanup or poor airflow can extend drying time and increase the risk of mould or permanent damage.
