When floodwater enters your home, it can damage not only your personal belongings but also the structure of your house. Besides, the aftermath of a flood often leads to mold growth, which poses a threat to your family's health! Due to the risks involved, prompt action in restoring areas damaged by water is crucial. Here are four flood cleanup and mold damage prevention tips you can follow to make your home safe and protect your loved ones. Our team of certified professionals at Bio-One of Oceanside is always prepared to handle these situations.
Quick Action is Important
The faster you start cleaning up after a flood, the less severe the damage will be. When water remains stagnant in your home for more than 24 hours, mold growth is more likely to occur. To limit water damage, begin by removing any standing water using pumps or wet/dry vacuums. Once the water is gone, open windows and doors and use fans to promote airflow in the house. It's also essential to dry all affected items like carpets, clothing, and furniture as soon as possible!
Disinfect Everything
After completing the drying process, disinfect all surfaces, including walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. According to the CDC, you can "Use a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup (8 ounces) household laundry bleach per 1 gallon of water to kill mold on surfaces." In case of an emergency, you might not have green products, or the most effective mold removers at hand, so bleach and soap can be a solution for these water emergencies. This helps kill mold spores from surfaces.
When cleaning up after a flood, it's important to disinfect all personal items like clothing and furniture, especially if they came into contact with floodwater.
Remove Affected Materials
Floodwaters can saturate and severely damage various drywall and insulation. These wet materials are a magnet for mold growth, even if they feel dry on the surface. So, it's crucial to remove and discard any items that have been touched by the water. This cleanup process can be strenuous, so it would be best to seek professional assistance to ensure everything is done correctly.
Contact a Professional to Prevent Future Mold Growth
After cleaning up your home following a flood, preventing mold growth from occurring again is the next step. You can do this by fixing any leaks in your home, increasing ventilation rates, and using dehumidifiers. Also, regularly check and maintain your gutters and downspouts to prevent water from flooding your home.
At the end of the day, dealing with floods is a challenging task for homeowners, but prompt and effective action can help limit the damage. In addition to the tips provided above, it is advisable to seek professional help for more extensive damage. At Bio-One of Oceanside, we understand the stress and anxiety that comes with floods and mold, and our team of certified professionals is always ready to help you restore your home. Contact us today if you need assistance with flood cleanup and mold prevention services!
