What you'll need
Step 1 – Preparations
Open the windows and the doors to allow the moisture to escape. Wear protective equipment and remove everything in the basement including books and metal objects that can get affected by the intense moisture. If there is a carpet on the cement floor, remove it so that the surface of the cement can be accessed and dried quickly. Every floating object on the water should be removed as well. Make sure that nothing is left behind in the room to ensure faster evaporation of water after the water has been drained.
Step 2 – Drain the Water
Locate the basement drain and remove anything that is clogging it. Most of the times, the drain will not work due to heavy clogging. If this is the case, find a container to scoop the water out and place it in a bucket. This may require more hands so call for other people for help. Throw the water away outside the house. When the water is not too deep, run the water vacuum cleaner over the surface of the cement to suck out the excess water.
Step 3 – Run a Dehumidifier and a Fan
Find an elevated spot on the basement and place the fan and the dehumidifier on top of the flat stable surface. Before turning the appliances on, make sure that the doors and windows are closed first. Plug the devices to power outlets. This may require an extension cord if the power outlet is at a remote location. Turn on the dehumidifier to speed up the drying process not only for the cement floor but for any furniture inside the basement.
Direct the fan to face the surface of the cement floor. If the floor is wide, try to get additional fans to increase the drying speed. Cement absorbs water and the only way to dry it completely is to allow it to evaporate much faster. If there are radiation heaters available in the home, make use of them in the basement as well.
Step 4 – Clean the Basement Cement Floor Surface
Chances are that the floor is covered in dirt or mud. Remove any debris left on the floor to expose the bare cement floor while the electric fans, dehumidifier, and the heaters are working. Check the drain and flush it with water to remove any clogged debris. Rinse the floor with water and direct the waste water to the drain. Scrub the floor to remove any excess dirt and rinse again. Vacuum the surface to remove any excess water and allow the appliances to dry the entire room.
Source: www.DoItYourself.com
