The aftermath of a disaster leaves behind smoke-damaged furniture, water-damaged documents, and belongings contaminated by hazardous substances. Property owners may find it hard to resist an “all hands on deck” approach to tackle content cleaning. However, it's important to understand that there are hidden dangers involved with this DIY type of activity. Dealing with exposure to toxins, not understanding how to clean properly, and even losing insurance claims can very easily reflect a far greater cost than first thought.
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) identifies this issue in disaster aftermaths, justifying the creation of standards for cleaning, because aftermaths involve complex contaminations that can never be addressed using household cleaners. It is therefore important to understand that tackling disaster-stricken cleaning without expert knowledge comes with many dangers, which can threaten your health, safety, and property value.
This blog reveals the hidden issues related to DIY content cleaning. It will also explain why considering a professional content cleaning company in Des Moines is generally a safer, smarter choice.
The Hidden Complexity of Disaster Contamination
Homeowners often think the lack of hi-tech cleaning tools, plus messy damage, means disaster damage is essentially just grease, grime, or dirt. In reality, fires release carcinogens and heavy metals that adhere to walls, furniture, and electronics.
Floodwaters, on the other hand, bring contaminated water and waste that deposit bacteria and chemicals that can easily penetrate porous materials.
Following storms, when structural elements are damaged, the chances of mold spores contaminating your property and the risk of asbestos exposure or lead-paint dust are often forgotten.
Each type of incident has its own unique restoration and cleaning protocols. Using the wrong cleaning method could compound the situation; you would not clean smoke-stained walls with soap and water and then wonder why the stains remain. Soap and water do not remove soot; they press it further into the wall or structure.
Health Risks of DIY Content Cleaning
The most serious risk of DIY cleaning is direct exposure to hazardous materials. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that many disaster residues can result in immediate and long-term health effects.
- Respiratory issues: Breathing soot and mold might aggravate lungs with bronchial flare-ups or contribute to other pre-existing conditions.
- Skin contact: Contaminated water and/or chemical residues from cleaning can result in chemical burns, rashes, or infections caused by bacteria.
- Toxic exposures: Damaged products (e.g., burning plastics or electronics) often release dioxins or heavy metals, and chronic or repeated exposure may increase the risk of cancer.
For a DIYer without personal protective equipment (PPE) or air filtration systems, the likelihood of harming yourself and your family through exposure is increased. In stark contrast, professionals arrive with appropriate PPE, industrial technology, and systems designed for high-hazard environments.
Risk of Permanent Damage to Possessions
Another covert hazard of DIY cleaning is the risk of permanent damage to valuable belongings. Items such as family heirlooms, electronics, important documents, and upholstered furniture need careful and sometimes specialized techniques.
For example:
- Books and papers that have come into contact with water can be freeze-dried to stop further deterioration, but improper handling can ruin them beyond salvage.
- Electronics exposed to smoke must be treated with either ozone treatment or ultrasonic cleaning, because wiping them by hand can push contaminants into the units and corrode delicate components.
- Fabrics must be treated using specialized solutions to neutralize odor without shrinking or staining the material.
Professional restorers operate under established protocols to salvage as many assets as possible without causing further damage.
The Insurance Claim Complication
Insurance companies are often a key component of recovery from a disaster. However, if the property owner decides to handle cleaning, drying, or remediation on their own, it could have adverse effects on the claim or be disallowed altogether. Insurance companies expect that the homeowner will demonstrate that the insured loss was mitigated using professional means, properly documented, and that reasonable steps were taken to prevent additional loss.
When a property owner takes it upon themselves to implement their own remediation:
- The damage may appear to the adjuster as “neglected” or “exacerbated,” which could reduce or deny coverage.
- The homeowner may not have documented the loss in detail (photographs, reports, moisture readings), making it impossible to prove the extent of loss later.
- Cleaning attempts can erase potential evidence that insurance adjusters need to accurately assess claims.
By contrast, contacting a certified content cleaning company in Des Moines provides the insurance company with proper documentation showing the loss was addressed according to industry standards, along with detailed costs incurred.
Hidden Costs of DIY Efforts
A DIY effort intends to save money. However, the hidden costs often exceed the perceived savings. For example:
- Equipment rentals: Industrial dehumidifiers, HEPA air scrubbers, and thermal foggers are expensive to rent and difficult to operate correctly.
- Efficiency: DIY cleaning can take weeks, during which the property remains at risk of additional damage (such as mold).
- Doubling up: If DIY cleaning is done inefficiently, professionals will need to be hired anyway, doubling costs.
Professionals have the necessary tools and knowledge to restore the property efficiently, ultimately saving money.
The Risk of Structural Damage
DIY cleaning is unlikely to address all areas and usually only targets visible damage. Moisture trapped behind walls or under flooring can lead to mold colonies, warped structures, or compromised foundations.
Without specialized tools like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras, these issues often remain undetected until they cause significant damage. Hiring professionals reduces the risk of untreated issues and ensures the property is systematically inspected, tested, and restored to preserve long-term value.
The Value of Hiring Professionals
Not only does hiring professionals remove the risk of undiscovered side effects, but it also brings peace of mind. Content cleaning experts in Des Moines are certified technicians trained to handle the broad scope of restoration, including toxic residue removal and advanced drying solutions.
Professionals also possess community-specific knowledge. For example, the way disaster restoration is handled in Des Moines is unique due to seasonal flooding and winter storm damage, meaning professionals can tailor their solutions to local conditions.
DIY Effect on Businesses and Communities
The effects of DIY mistakes can impact more than just homes. For businesses, improper cleaning can lead to delays in reopening, loss of sales, or unsafe conditions for employees and customers. Professional services like commercial content restoration services in Des Moines not only clean but also work to get businesses operational again quickly.
On a community level, working with certified professionals ensures safety standards are met, reducing long-term risks of mold outbreaks, structural damage, or lingering toxins in neighborhoods.
When considering the risks associated with DIY content cleaning, the safer option is clearly professional services. By avoiding toxic exposure, protecting property, maintaining insurance compliance, and preventing hidden damage, certified professionals safeguard both lives and belongings.
Conclusion
While cleaning after a disaster may feel simple, the real risks, health hazards, insurance complications, hidden destruction, and structural neglect make DIY cleaning dangerous. Professional restoration services keep homeowners and communities safe, compliant, and supported with the equipment, knowledge, and documentation required to restore properties fully.
For property owners in Des Moines, trusting experts allows for faster recovery, preserved property value, and peace of mind during stressful times.
About Rainbow International of Des Moines
Rainbow International of Des Moines is a trusted leader in restoration services. We provide expert solutions for fire, flood, storm, and mold damage. With years of experience, our certified professionals specialize in safe and effective cleaning processes to minimize damage to belongings and restore structural integrity.
Whether you need pathogen-related content cleaning for your home or commercial restoration services in Des Moines, we respond quickly and compassionately to help you reclaim your home or business. We are committed to delivering reliable, thorough, professional care because your peace of mind matters as much as your possessions. Contact us today to schedule a content cleaning service.
