3 Steps To Minimize Mold Damage After Flooding

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

The quicker we can dry out your property, the better!

Minimizing Potential Mold Growth 

You’ve found yourself in one of the worst situations most business owners in Deerwood, FL can imagine: Your building has flooded. Whether the water intrusion is from a storm or plumbing issue, there is no time to waste after flooding. Destructive mold growth can begin in 24 to 48 hours. Here are three steps to take in the critical hours following a flood.

1. Dry Affected Areas

Drying is the most important step in the cleanup process and should begin as quickly as is safe after a flood event. All standing water should be cleaned up and removed by a commercial restoration service. Saturated items such as upholstered furniture should be taken outdoors to dry if conditions permit.

Carpeting that has been exposed to flooding should be taken out of the building. Drywall that has been saturated will need to be cut away.

Get as much air circulating as possible. Open windows and run air conditioning. Bring in portable heaters and consider renting a dehumidifier. Spores need moisture to thrive. Removing the moisture quickly will help minimize mold growth.

2. Discard Unsalvageable Property

Some items, such as carpet and carpet pads, extremely saturated furnishings and cardboard boxes of printed materials will need to be thrown away. Be realistic with yourself here. Don’t keep items that you know will be damp for a considerable amount of time.

3. Clean Thoroughly

Clean hard surfaces with a disinfecting detergent to remove harmful bacteria. If mold is present, scrub it off. You should dry surfaces promptly after cleaning.

Porous, absorbent material such as ceiling tile and drywall generally can’t be cleaned once thoroughly soaked. Once mold has been detected in these items, it can be nearly impossible to remove spores.

Minimizing potential mold growth following a flood can be a painstaking process. It is crucial to act fast, dry and clean thoroughly, then determine what property can’t be saved. Follow these steps to quickly return to business as usual.