If you’ve experienced a flood, there’s a good chance that mold has begun to grow in your home so here are 11 tips for cleaning up mold.
Mold is a type of fungi that thrives in damp, humid environments and can spread quickly if not dealt with right away.
While it’s important to take care of the problem as soon as possible, it’s also crucial that you do so safely to avoid exposing yourself and your family to harmful toxins.
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Here are 11 tips for cleaning up mold:
1. Wear protective gear:
When dealing with mold, it’s important to wear gloves, a mask, and eye protection to avoid coming into contact with spores.
2. Ventilate the area:
Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate. This will also help to prevent mold spores from spreading to other parts of your home.
3. Remove wet materials:
Any materials that have been soaked by floodwater should be removed and properly disposed of.
This includes carpets, furniture, cabinets, drywall, insulation, and clothing.
If you can’t get it dried out within the first 24-48 hours after a flood you need to throw it away.
4 Remove wet drywall and insulation:
It is important to dry your home out as fast as possible to prevent mold from growing.
You are going to need to open up wall cavities so they get airflow and can dry out.
Remove all drywall, insulation, and baseboards at least a foot above the waterline.
5. Clean and disinfect:
Use a mixture of bleach and water to clean all hard surfaces that have come into contact with mold.
It’s important to let the solution sit for several minutes before wiping it away.
Don’t try to remove mold from porous materials like drywall with bleach.
6. Dry the area completely:
Once you’ve cleaned the moldy areas, be sure to dry them completely.
Mold thrives in damp environments, so it’s important to get rid of any excess moisture as soon as possible.
This may be a very formidable problem and your best bet would be to call in a water damage restoration company to do it.
They can bring in multiple fans and dehumidifiers to dry your home quickly.
Whatever you do, don’t turn the heat on. This will only make mold grow faster. Mold loves heat and it can grow much faster than you can dry everything out.
7. Remove moldy items:
Any items that have been contaminated by mold should be thrown away. This includes food, toys, and other household items.
8. Call a professional:
If the problem persists, it’s best to call a professional who can safely and effectively remove the mold.
Most homeowners don’t have the equipment and manpower to dry a flooded home out fast enough to prevent mold growth.
Try to get a water damage restoration company into your home, the sooner the better.
9. Inspect your home regularly:
Even after you dry out your home you will want to inspect your home regularly for signs of moisture or water damage.
Be sure to check under sinks, in crawl spaces, and around windows and doors.
It is possible that some areas were missed or not completely dried out. Left alone and untreated they will start growing mold again.
10. Be prepared for flooding:
Prepare for flooding by creating an emergency plan. This should include a list of items to pack, where to go, and how to contact loved ones.
More information: Reentering Your Flooded Home | CDC
11. Be aware of the health risks
There are health risks associated with mold exposure. If you are allergic to mold you should not attempt a mold cleanup.
These risks can include respiratory problems, skin irritation, and allergic reactions.
If you have any health concerns or begin to feel ill be sure to speak with a medical professional.
11 Tips For Cleaning Up Mold Final Thoughts
Dealing with a flooded home can be a traumatic experience. It can also be very expensive.
Federal disaster funds might be available to help with the cost if it was a major event.
Check to see if your homeowner’s insurance covers flood damage. Many unfortunately do not unless you purchase it separately.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Mold Damage? Black Mold Removal (blackmoldremoval101.com)
