Triage order once the water is stopped
Work from the most fragile and time-sensitive items to the sturdiest.
Photograph in place
Before moving anything, take wide and close photos of each wet item where it sits. Valuable pieces need their own photos and any labels or tags.
Lift paper and photographs first
Works on paper, photographs, documents and books begin to stick, ripple and grow mold fastest. Move them to a cool, dry room.
Take framed art off wet walls
Remove art from walls that are wet or under a dripping ceiling. Keep it face up and flat if the glazing or backing is wet.
Get rugs off the floor
Roll hand-knotted and antique rugs pile-in, if they are not too heavy, and lift them onto blocks or a dry surface. Do not leave them on wet padding.
Separate furniture from wet floors
Put blocks or foil under legs so wood does not wick water or stain from wet carpet.
Item by item
| Item | Do | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Oil or acrylic painting | Keep flat and face up in a cool room; contact a paintings conservator if the canvas or paint is affected | Pressing on the paint, blotting the surface, direct heat |
| Work on paper in a frame | Remove from the frame if the glass is wet inside, keeping the paper flat | Leaving it sealed against wet glass or matting |
| Photographs | Rinse gently in clean cool water if dirty, then air dry face up or freeze if you cannot handle them soon | Stacking wet prints, which can fuse |
| Books and documents | Stand books on end with pages slightly fanned, or freeze them in sealed bags to buy time | Microwaves, ovens, or pressing wet pages |
| Hand-knotted wool or silk rug | Get it off the wet floor; ask a rug specialist about washing and drying | Hanging it wet, which can distort the foundation, or sun drying, which can fade dyes |
| Upholstered furniture | Lift off the floor, open zippered cushions to air, and run fans | Assuming dry fabric means a dry frame |
Insurance and specialist help
Valuable items are often scheduled separately on a homeowners or HO-6 policy, and the policy may have specific instructions for reporting damage to them. Call your agent before discarding anything and before authorizing restoration of a significant piece. Keep appraisals, purchase records and provenance documents together for the adjuster.
Many restoration companies offer contents packing and cleaning, and some work with outside specialists for art, textiles and documents. For a painting, an important work on paper or an antique rug, ask who will actually perform the treatment and whether they have experience with that kind of object. The American Institute for Conservation maintains a public directory that can help you find conservators by specialty.
General information for Cherry Creek, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.