Water damage can be a devastating event for any homeowner. Not only can it cause extensive damage to your property, but it can also pose serious health risks. If your furniture has been exposed to water, it's important to take action quickly to minimize the damage and prevent further problems. ### How Long Can Furniture Sit in Water Before Being Ruined? The amount of time that furniture can sit in water before being ruined depends on a number of factors, including the type of furniture, the type of water, and the temperature of the water. * **Type of furniture:** Upholstered furniture, such as sofas and chairs, is more likely to be ruined by water damage than non-upholstered furniture, such as tables and chairs. This is because upholstered furniture absorbs water more easily and can become waterlogged. * **Type of water:** Clean water is less likely to cause damage to furniture than dirty water. Dirty water can contain contaminants that can stain or damage furniture. * **Temperature of the water:** Cold water is less likely to cause damage to furniture than hot water. Hot water can cause wood to warp and crack. In general, furniture that has been exposed to clean water for less than 24 hours can be salvaged. However, furniture that has been exposed to dirty water or hot water for more than 24 hours is likely to be ruined. ### What to Do If Your Furniture Has Been Exposed to Water If your furniture has been exposed to water, there are a few things you can do to minimize the damage: 1. **Remove the furniture from the water.** If possible, remove the furniture from the water as soon as possible. This will help to prevent further water damage. 2. **Dry the furniture.** Once the furniture has been removed from the water, dry it off as quickly as possible. You can use a fan, a hairdryer, or a dehumidifier to dry the furniture. 3. **Clean the furniture.** Once the furniture is dry, clean it with a mild soap and water solution. This will help to remove any dirt or contaminants that may have been left behind by the water. 4. **Inspect the furniture for damage.** Once the furniture has been cleaned, inspect it for damage. If the furniture has any cracks, warps, or other damage, it may need to be repaired or replaced. ### Professional Water Damage Cleanup If your furniture has been severely damaged by water, you may need to hire a professional water damage cleanup company. A professional water damage cleanup company can help to remove the water from your home, dry out your furniture, and repair any damage that has been caused by the water.