Four Steps to Take After a Flood to Prevent Mold Growth

Mold doesn't need much moisture to grow, and even a bit of water seeping from a leaking pipe can create the perfect environment for mold. Mold thrives in dark, humid places, especially those lined with porous materials like carpet and wall insulation. Homeowners should take these steps immediately after a flood to stop mold growth before it starts.

Step 1: Remove Water ASAP 

The longer water sits, the more likely it is to promote mold growth. Standing water needs to be removed as quickly as possible, using a wet/dry vacuum cleaner if one's available. However, people should be careful not to plug machinery into an outlet or use extension cords near water. If a wet/dry vacuum isn’t an option, mops, towels, and buckets can be used to soak up water, which can be dumped onto the yard or down a drain.

Step 2: Speed Up the Drying Process

The drying process can take several days or longer, but fans can help speed things up. They usually need to be left running for at least a week to remove moisture from carpets. Humidifiers can also help remove excess moisture to speed up drying time and limit mold growth. High-power fans can often be rented from a local home improvement store or professional cleaning company.

Step 3: The Cleaning Process

The cleaning process has several different steps of its own, beginning with steam cleaning carpets and flooring. While carpet padding usually needs to be replaced, carpet itself can often be steam cleaned to sanitize the material and remove odors. Anything else that came into contact with floodwater should also be cleaned and sanitized, including walls, hard floors, and other household surfaces. In some cases, furniture damaged by flood water can be cleaned and salvaged, but it's often best to discard tainted furniture, especially pieces that are upholstered.

Step 4: Schedule an Inspection

After experiencing a flood, it’s not safe to assume that there’s no mold just because it's not visible. If left untreated, mold can cause health problems that can affect your family, ranging from respiratory infections to asthma attacks. When cleanup is complete, let ASAP Environmental, Inc. check your space for mold using our mold detection services. Our mold specialists will conduct a laboratory analysis of the air and surfaces in your property to determine whether mold is present. Schedule a mold inspection today by calling us at 800-349-7779 or filling out our online form.