The CDC recommends opening doors and windows for at least 30 minutes before doing anything else inside a home that has been closed up after a storm, letting it air out before any cleanup starts. That single step, done before the rest of the checklist, is where an after-hurricane cleanup in Central Florida begins, and it is a different job entirely from the pre-storm prep covered in our hurricane season cleaning checklist.
The First Hour Back Inside
Return during daylight hours and use a flashlight rather than a candle or lighter if the power is out. If there is standing water and the main power can be shut off from a dry location, do that before going further into the home. If there is any smell of gas, leave immediately and call the gas company or fire department from outside rather than investigating further. Once the home has been aired out for that initial 30 minutes, the actual cleanup sequence can start.
A Hurricane Cleanup Checklist: The Order That Prevents a Bigger Problem
Standing water comes out first, using a wet-dry vacuum, a pump, or a sump pump depending on how much there is. After that, doors and windows stay open and fans and a dehumidifier go to work. These should be positioned to push air and moisture outward instead of circulating it around the room. This order matters because Florida’s humidity does not give a home much of a grace period. Skipping straight to wiping down surfaces before the space is dry means cleaning the same spots again once moisture works its way back to them.
What Not to Turn Back On Yet
The CDC is specific on this point: an HVAC system that was running during a flood or storm needs to be checked and cleaned by a professional experienced in mold before it gets turned back on. Running air conditioning through a system that pulled in moisture during the storm can spread the exact problem the drying-out process is trying to prevent, straight through the vents into every room. This is squarely a job for an HVAC technician, not a cleaning service.
Where a Cleaning Crew Fits Into This Timeline
Structural drying, HVAC servicing, and mold remediation in walls or under flooring are specialized restoration work. Where Clermont City Clean fits in is after that point. Once a home has been dried out, deemed safe, and cleared of any structural moisture concerns, a full cleaning covers what several days of closed-up humidity, dust, and general storm disruption leave behind. From tracked-in debris to surfaces that collected grime while the household’s attention was elsewhere, we take care of it. Booking that cleanup for the day after the structural side is handled tends to work better.
DIY vs. Calling in Help
| Task | Who Handles It |
|---|---|
| Standing water removal, fans, dehumidifiers | Homeowner, or a restoration company for significant flooding |
| HVAC inspection before restart | HVAC professional experienced in mold cleanup, per CDC guidance |
| Structural drying, wall or subfloor mold | Restoration or remediation company |
| Full-home cleaning once the space is dry and safe | Clermont City Clean |
Where Clermont City Clean Fits In
Clermont City Clean provides insured, vetted residential cleaning across Clermont, Davenport, Kissimmee, Winter Garden, Celebration, Groveland, Windermere, and Orlando, including post-storm cleanups once a home has been cleared as safe and dry. Booking or getting a quote takes about 60 seconds online and is available 24/7. If anything is missed, report it within 24 hours and the team returns to re-clean it at no charge.
Get a free quote or book online anytime at clermontcityclean.com/book.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first thing to do when returning home after a hurricane?
According to the CDC, air the home out for at least 30 minutes with doors and windows open. It’s also important to shut off main power from a dry location if there is standing water. Once that has been done, cleanup can be started.
Is it safe to run the air conditioning right after a storm?
Not until an HVAC professional experienced in mold cleanup has checked and cleaned the system, per CDC guidance. Running it beforehand can spread moisture-related problems through the vents.
What order should post-storm cleanup happen in?
Remove standing water first, then run fans and a dehumidifier positioned to push air and moisture outward. Hold off on surface cleaning until the space is dry.
Does Clermont City Clean handle mold remediation or structural drying?
No. Those are specialized restoration services. Clermont City Clean provides the full-home cleaning once a home has been dried out and cleared as safe by the appropriate professional.
How soon after a storm can a cleaning be booked?
Once standing water is gone, the space is dry, and any HVAC or structural concerns are cleared, a cleaning can be booked the same way as any other service, online in about 60 seconds.
Does hurricane season affect how often a Central Florida home should be cleaned overall?
Not on its own, but a storm event itself is a good reason for a one-time deep clean even for households already on a recurring schedule, since it resets the home after several days of disruption.