Curious though, does anyone keep those disposable shoe covers around? I always end up ruining a pair of socks or two...
Yeah, ruined socks are the worst. I used to just throw on old sneakers and hope for the best, but after stepping in who-knows-what during a backup, I started keeping a box of those blue disposable shoe covers in the closet. They’re cheap and honestly save a lot of headaches (and laundry). I’ll say, they’re not perfect—sometimes they rip if you’re moving around a lot or if the floor’s really wet, but they’re still better than nothing. If you’re dealing with a big mess, I’d double up or just keep a pair of rubber boots handy.
Contractor bags are a must, no question. Regular bags are a joke once you’re dealing with anything wet or heavy. I’ve had them split open halfway to the bin—learned that lesson real quick. I’d add nitrile gloves to the list too. Not those thin ones you get at the grocery store, but the thicker kind that don’t tear if you brush against something sharp. Bleach wipes are good, but I’ve started using a spray bottle with a bleach solution and a stack of old rags. Feels like you get more coverage and you can just toss the rags when you’re done.
One thing people forget is a good flashlight or headlamp. If it’s late and you’re crawling around the basement or under a sink, you don’t want to be fumbling with your phone light. Also, some folks swear by those disposable coveralls, but honestly, I just keep a set of old clothes I don’t mind trashing.
If you’ve got pets or kids running around, block off the area fast—last time, my dog thought it was a great time to investigate the puddle. Not fun.
Anyway, shoe covers aren’t a bad idea, but I’d say boots are even better if you’ve got them. Just hose them off outside when you’re done.
Anyway, shoe covers aren’t a bad idea, but I’d say boots are even better if you’ve got them. Just hose them off outside when you’re done.
I get the appeal of shoe covers, but honestly, I just use my old rain boots. They’re easy to clean and I don’t feel bad about getting them gross. Less plastic waste too. I keep a stash of cut-up old towels for mopping up—easier to wash and reuse than tossing rags every time. Gloves are a must, but I stick with reusable rubber ones. Less trash, less hassle.
I get the appeal of shoe covers, but honestly, I just use my old rain boots.
Rain boots are a solid choice—I've done the same for years. They’re sturdy and you don’t have to worry about ruining them. I do like your point about less plastic waste. For cleanup, I keep a five-gallon bucket with a tight lid handy for tossing dirty towels until laundry day. One thing I’d add: a bottle of enzyme cleaner. It’s saved me more than once when regular disinfectant just didn’t cut it.
I get the logic behind enzyme cleaners, but I’ve had mixed results. Sometimes they work, sometimes you’re just left with a weird smell and a mess that still needs a second pass. I’m more old-school—bleach, gloves, and a mop that I don’t mind tossing if things get really bad. Rain boots are great, but I keep a pair of cheap rubber overalls in the basement too. They’re ugly, but if you’ve ever had to wade into a backup that’s more than an inch deep, you’ll appreciate not having to wash your jeans three times.
Buckets are a must, but I’d add contractor bags for anything that’s just not worth saving. And honestly, I keep a stack of cheap towels from the dollar store just for this kind of thing. No heartbreak if they end up in the trash. Maybe I’m just jaded after too many late-night calls, but I’d rather overprepare than end up scrubbing for hours.
You’re not wrong about enzyme cleaners being hit or miss. I’ve seen them work wonders on organic messes, but if there’s a heavy backup, I’m reaching for bleach and heavy-duty gloves too. Those cheap towels are a lifesaver—no guilt tossing them after a rough job. I’ve learned the hard way that you can never have too many contractor bags either. Overpreparing might feel excessive until you’re ankle-deep in the stuff... then it feels like genius.