5 Tips for Preventing Mold Damage After Flooding

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

After a flood it's important that you follow these steps to avoid mold damage.

Without mitigation, mold growth can begin 24 to 48 hours after a flood. These five tips can help you avoid this problem.

Tips to Help You Avoid Mold Damage

1. Remove Water Promptly

One of the most important steps to take is to remove standing water promptly. You can use a mop and bucket or rent vacuums created for the purpose. However, floodwaters can contain hazardous materials and should not be touched without wearing protective gear. In most cases, it is better to contact a flood remediation company in Emporia, VA, than to attempt to remove the water yourself.

2. Dry Wet Surfaces

Removing standing water will help prevent mold growth, but you also need to completely dry wet surfaces. Dry rags or mops can be used to soak up water on surfaces. Renting industrialized fans can also help dry out rooms quickly. However, using fans runs the risk of spreading any mold that may have already developed throughout your building.

3. Remove Wet Carpets and Rugs

Wet carpets and rugs take a long time to dry. Remove them from the building and place them outside to dry in the sunlight if possible. Have the rugs steam cleaned to remove contaminants.

4. Sanitize Surfaces

Once you have everything dried out, clean and sanitize surfaces to kill bacteria and other contaminants. Diluted bleach or over-the-counter cleaning and sanitizing solutions can be used.

5. Keep the Humidity Level Below 50 Percent

Mold grows best in an environment with humidity over 50%, so try to keep humidity levels in your building below this. If your business is located in a humid environment, try using a dehumidifier. You can also open windows and doors on days when the weather is sunny and dry to help lower humidity levels.

Preventing mold growth after a flood can be challenging. However, if you implement these tips quickly, you can increase your chance of success.