What to Do When Your Furniture Gets Water Damaged — Ottawa 2026 Flood Guide

The July 2026 Ottawa flood has left hundreds of homes with water-damaged furniture. If you’re standing in a soggy basement wondering whether your grandmother’s dining set or your leather sectional can be saved, this guide is for you.

Act Fast — The First 48 Hours Matter

Water damage compounds quickly. Within 24–48 hours, mold can begin to grow on wet upholstery and wood. Here’s what to do immediately:

1. Remove furniture from standing water. If possible, move pieces to a dry, well-ventilated area. Use fans and dehumidifiers.
2. Don’t force dry wood. Rapid drying with high heat can cause wood to crack and warp. Room-temperature air circulation is best.
3. Remove cushions and upholstery covers if they’re detachable. Hang them to dry separately.
4. Photograph everything. Before you move or clean anything, take clear photos of all damage. This is critical for insurance claims.

What’s Fixable (and What Isn’t)

Usually fixable:

• Water stains on finished wood surfaces
• Swollen drawers and doors (can often be planed and refitted)
• Moldy upholstery (fabric and padding can be fully replaced)
• Loose joints caused by glue failure
• Surface mold on sealed wood

Sometimes fixable:

• Severely warped tabletops
• Delaminated veneer
• Particleboard furniture (often not worth the cost)

Rarely fixable:

• Furniture that was submerged for more than 72 hours
• Pieces with structural rot
• MDF or particleboard that has crumbled

Insurance Claims: Don’t Throw Anything Away

The biggest mistake people make is discarding damaged furniture before their insurance adjuster sees it. Keep everything until your claim is processed. Your adjuster needs to verify the damage, and we need to assess what’s restorable.

At Henderson Furniture Repair, we handle the entire insurance process for you:

• We photograph and document all damage in insurance-ready format
• We provide itemized repair estimates your adjuster can process immediately
• We communicate directly with your insurance provider
• We restore your furniture to pre-damage condition

When to Call a Professional

If you notice any of the following, call us for a free assessment:

• White, green, or black spots on wood or fabric (mold)
• A musty smell that doesn’t go away after drying
• Joints that feel loose or wobbly
• Visible warping, cracking, or splitting
• Water lines or stains on finished surfaces

Call Henderson Furniture Repair at 613-224-2150 for a free flood damage assessment. Same-week appointments available.