If your home is damaged by water from a flood, mildew and mold will develop within 24 to 48 hours of exposure. Mold will continue to grow until measures are taken to remove the moisture source. Most water problems can be avoided by getting an accurate report from a licensed home inspector. In a previous article we addressed whether mold is covered in your homeowners insurance policy. In this article we will address how to prevent and clean up mold after a flood.
How to Prevent Mold Growth
Depending on the extent of the damage, mold in your house may be treated and eliminated, or it may require major, invasive mold removal. In the days and weeks following a flood, there is an increased risk for mold growth in your home. Here are a few tips to prevent mold in your home after a flood.
- Use fans and dehumidifiers to eliminate excess moisture unless mold has already begun to grow. If mold has already began to grow fans may spread the existing mold to other areas.
- Whatever is flooded or moldy in your home should be cleaned up as soon as possible, preferably by professional experts.
- Check your plumbing and pipes seal cracks, especially around the plumbing in the basement and crawl space.
- Check your electric and gas meters and outside your house for any possible leaks.
- Contact your heating and cooling company about any gas line leaks or broken appliances.
- Drain water that may be in the house from the storm or flooding from whatever had happened.
- Check your roof for any signs of damage.
How to Clean the Mold
Before cleaning any mold, verify that the work area is well ventilated. If you find evidence of mold, clean the area. Make sure to wear gloves, face mask, and goggles when handling the mold. Bag and dispose of all wet contents, such as carpet and upholstery. Make sure to thoroughly disinfect areas where mold appears. Your local hardware shop will usually have disinfectants to remove mold. A popular mold remover is called “Concrobium.” If you cannot get a professional mold removal solution then you may be able to use bleach or other strong disinfectants such as hydrogen peroxide. Allow the wet or contaminated area to dry thoroughly (it will usually take 2-3 days) before starting to reconstruct and replace items.
It is important to clean up mold after a flood because it can cause a home to smell and harbor a variety of problems such as mold spores, which are unhealthy. The good news is that mold does not cause serious problems if it is adequately treated.
