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You’ve made it through the storm or cyclone safely and got the all-clear to begin your storm clean up. Getting started on a task like this can be daunting but there’s a lot you can achieve with a bit of know-how. Here’s how to start getting your home back in order.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
If your backyard took a battering in the storm, your list of garden jobs will probably include clearing up a lot of loose branches and leaves along with any debris that may be scattered around (pick up some heavy-duty garbage bags to use for rubbish removal). To make it easier, have some garden power tools handy. Our tree-pruning guide can help you deal with broken branches and reshaping damaged trees and shrubs. This will help restore the tree and protect it from insects and diseases. Got a broken fence? See if you can fix it yourself with replacement pickets and a few basic tools.
Weeds can spring up after a lot of rain, so keep them under control – softer soil makes it easier to pull them up. Then cover garden beds with a layer of mulch to protect them from weed growth. If you’ve lost plants you love, don’t despair – warm wet conditions mean they’re also likely to regrow quickly. Drain off excess water from pot bases and remove soaked rubbish to prevent mosquitoes breeding.
Top tool: A pressure washer saves you time and effort when you’re deep-cleaning outdoor areas. If you haven’t used one before, follow our beginners guide.
Take advantage of the now clear and dry weather and open up the doors and windows – this allows air to circulate to reduce the dampness inside. For an extra boost, use a dehumidifier or moisture absorbers. Remove anything that was soaked by rainwater to help prevent mould growing. If mould and mildew is a problem in your home, tackle it with a quality mould remover, such as 30 Seconds Mould Off.
Decide how you’re going to work through the main cleaning jobs – you could focus on one room at a time, or complete one task before starting on another. Tidy up the mess first, removing damaged items (don’t forget to document evidence for any insurance claims). Next, grab your squeegee, microfibre cloths and cleaning vinegar or glass cleaner to clean the windows. Has taping windows left you with tricky-to-remove sticky patches? Tackle them with De-Solv-it. Follow with cleaning the walls – sugar soap is great for this – and finally restore the floors to their former glory following our expert tips.
When you get onto the kitchen and are able to have your appliances back up and running, you’ll need to empty the fridge and give it a deep clean.
Top tool: A wet and dry vacuum cleaner is a versatile piece of equipment for storm clean up. As the name suggests, it lets you vacuum dry and wet surfaces, including sucking up water from floors, carpets and furniture. Team it with a dehumidifier to fast-track removal of moisture from your home and furnishings.
If the storm has caused structural or electrical damage to buildings, don’t attempt repairs – call in a licenced contractor. This includes repairing or replacing damaged roofs. Experts can also help with complex waste disposal and removing hazardous materials. For removing general waste and debris, you may be able to book a free local council pick-up.
It’s best to contact a tree specialist to help with serious damage to trees. They can safely remove large branches and take care of anything that calls for heavy equipment such as chainsaws. As a bonus, they may be able to supply you with free mulch or firewood from fallen trees.
If the storm has caused a lot of water damage, professional cleaning services can help assess and restore your home quickly and effectively. Remember, excessive mould is a health hazard, so if large areas are affected, it’s safer to have them professionally cleaned.
The storm may have passed but you still need to be alert to the many risks and dangers in the aftermath. Be extra cautious about the possibility of gas leaks and electrical faults in your home.
Keep well away from fallen power lines and don’t attempt to remove branches or trees that are touching them. Steer clear of hanging branches and don’t enter damaged buildings without being sure it’s safe to do so.
There are different rules for storm clean up if your home has been affected by flooding, due to the contaminants in floodwater, and you’ll need to take extra care with cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and household materials – anything that can’t be cleaned properly will need to be thrown out. Remember to wash your hands regularly with clean water and soap.
Once you’ve conquered the clean-up, make sure you’re ready for the next time your home is at risk. Check out our guide to preparing your home for a storm or cyclone.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
