The short answer
First Steps for Safety
Before touching anything, get everyone out of the room, especially children and pets. Raw sewage contains bacteria and viruses that can make you sick. Open windows for ventilation, and turn off the electricity if the spill is near outlets or appliances. If you feel unwell at any point, see a doctor.
Put on protective gear before you start cleaning. Wear rubber boots, heavy gloves, and safety goggles. A disposable mask helps reduce inhaling droplets. If the spill is large or you have health conditions, leave the cleanup to the pros. They have the right equipment and training for this kind of work.
- Keep pets and kids away from the spill
- Turn off power to the affected room if safe
- Open windows to let fresh air in
- Wear rubber boots, gloves, and a mask
- Do not use household fans if water is near outlets
Remove Soaked Items
Take out anything that absorbed sewage, such as carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and cardboard boxes. These porous materials are hard to clean and may need to be thrown away. Place them in heavy plastic bags and seal them tightly. Do not try to salvage items that soaked up sewage, as they can carry germs.
For items that are only lightly splashed, like hard plastic or metal, you can clean them with a strong detergent and disinfectant. Rinse them with clean water and dry them completely. If you are unsure whether an item is safe to keep, it is better to discard it. Your health matters more than any possession.
Clean Hard Surfaces
Once the soaked items are gone, scrub all hard surfaces with a mixture of detergent and warm water. Use a stiff brush to reach cracks and crevices. Pay special attention to floors, walls, and baseboards. After scrubbing, rinse the surfaces with clean water to remove any remaining dirt.
Then apply a disinfectant that kills bacteria and viruses. You can use a bleach solution of one cup of bleach per gallon of water, but never mix bleach with other cleaners. Let the disinfectant sit for at least ten minutes before rinsing. Dry the area thoroughly with towels or a wet-dry vacuum. Moisture can lead to mold growth if left behind.
Dry the Area Thoroughly
After cleaning, you need to dry the space quickly to prevent mold and further damage. Use a wet-dry vacuum to remove standing water, then set up fans and a dehumidifier. Keep the windows open if the weather allows. In humid climates like Daytona Beach, drying can take longer, so be patient.
Check hidden areas like under cabinets, behind baseboards, and inside wall cavities. If the sewage seeped into drywall or insulation, those sections may need to be cut out. Remove and replace any porous material that cannot be fully dried. This step is crucial to avoid long-term problems.
- Use a wet-dry vacuum to pull up water
- Set up fans and a dehumidifier
- Check behind baseboards and under cabinets
- Remove drywall or insulation soaked by sewage
- Keep the area dry for several days
When to Call the Pros
Some sewage spills are too large or dangerous for a homeowner to handle alone. If the spill covers a big area, came from a sewer line, or has been sitting for hours, call local water damage pros. They have commercial-grade equipment and know how to dispose of contaminated materials safely.
The pros will usually assess the damage, remove affected materials, and clean and disinfect the space. They may also use specialized drying equipment to prevent mold. If you live in a humid area, keep the number of a reliable water damage service handy. Acting quickly reduces the risk to your health and your home.
Talk to someone now
Phones are answered 24/7 for Daytona Beach and nearby communities.
Call Now (386) 272-5697Frequently asked questions
Can I clean up a small sewage spill myself?
Small spills, like from a toilet overflow, can be cleaned by you if you wear protective gear and use proper disinfectant. But if the spill is large or came from a sewer line, call the pros to ensure safety.
What should I do with items soaked in sewage?
Throw away porous items like carpets, upholstered furniture, and cardboard. They absorb sewage and cannot be safely cleaned. For hard surfaces, clean and disinfect thoroughly.
How long does it take to dry after sewage cleanup?
Drying can take several days, depending on humidity and airflow. In humid climates, it may take longer. Use fans and a dehumidifier, and check for moisture in hidden areas.