Reader Question: What Can I Do With a Flood-Damaged Sofa and Wall?
Design expert Lilli Beth Gelvezon reveals what you can do with your seat and wall after a devastating storm
Q: Our entire ground floor was flooded and the walls and furniture are caked with mud. I'd like to ask what can we do with our sofa. Mud has seeped into the entire fabric and it has been damp even after we left it out to dry. What can I do with the upholstery? Are there any professional cleaners you know who can salvage it? Or should I totally have it reupholstered again?
Also, the lower part of the walls is covered in wood veneer, but because of the floods, it bubbled and some parts detached itself from the wall. Is there any way to fix it?—Carla, Marikina City
A: I'm sorry to hear that your home was devastated by flood. From your description, I'm afraid that your best bet is a new sofa. Sometimes, a good sofa on sale is more affordable than having an old sofa reupholstered.
As for your walls, it would be best to just remove everything and refinish the walls with new coats of paint. Don't forget to treat, prime, and prepare the wall surface before painting over everything.
