3 Tips for Reducing the Chance of Mold Growth After a Home Flood

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

Flood-damaged room in Red Mountain Ranch, AZ

Three Things To Do To Prevent Undesirable Mold Development

Damp, soggy carpet, musty smelling rooms, and stains all over the walls--these are visible effects of a home flood. These sights alone are disappointing and heart wrenching to homeowners in Red Mountain Ranch, AZ. The place they feel the most comfortable has been harmed. Another major concern though is mold growth, and, while there may not be spots on the drywall yet, it is possible that the spores are beginning to reproduce. Residents must act quickly to keep it at bay. Here are three things to do to prevent undesirable mold development.

1. Dry Out the Area
Fungal spores are triggered when moisture interacts with them; otherwise, they simply exist harmlessly in the house. The flooding kick-started them. To stop them from spreading, concentrate on reducing dampness. Do not rely on the air conditioner as it could move the mold to other rooms. Instead, look into industrial dehumidifiers which extract humidity from structure and air. Furthermore, wipe up large pools, or use a wet vacuum to pull up lingering fluid.

2. Extract Anything Drenched
Don't leave wet furniture or materials in the space as this encourages mold growth. Consult a water remediation team about what is safe to keep and what should go. As a rule, anything porous is a possible hazard, including saturated carpet, drywall, and valuables.

3. Avoid Relying on Bleach
Mold removal is the best option to lower the spore count. While it's tempting to pull out a bottle of household cleaner such as bleach, these formulas do not penetrate deep enough to ensure sanitation. First, trash anything of concern. Then, have professionals apply an antimicrobial spray to anything non-porous that remains.
Mold growth begins as soon as water finds fungal spores; the microbes quietly and invisibly replicate within days. Begin attacking the problem before it's seen by drying out the rooms and eliminating anything harmed. These steps are vital to minimizing remediation efforts and avoiding mold treatments.