Mold is extremely common after a flood. Groundwater carries all types of mold and bacteria, which can grow in your home in as little as two days. In order to prevent mold after a flood, you need to remove the water and dry the area as quickly as possible. Our guide outlines the cleanup process and offers tips for preventing both mold and odors.
Why Do Floods Cause Mold?
A naturally occurring fungus, mold exists all around us. However, it requires water to thrive. Mold spores are commonly found in groundwater, which is why it’s so common after flooding.
The mold will slowly break down any porous material. In the short term, the mold will pit paint and other surfaces. When aided by the floodwaters, it can destroy walls in days and wood in weeks.
How Soon Does Mold Grow After a Flood?
Depending on the conditions, mold it only takes a few days for mold to grow after a flood. It takes longer to grow if the cause was clean water from a pipe leak, while it can grow sooner after a sewage backup.
In most cases, mold will appear 48 to 72 hours after a flood. For that reason, we recommend drying the area in 24 to 48 hours. This limits the risk of mold and increases the chances of salvaging carpeting, walls and furniture.
Preventing Mold After a Flood
The longer you wait to begin cleanup, the greater the chance mold will appear. While removing the floodwaters is important, you also need to dry the area as well. This includes the items in the room as well as the structure of the room itself.
- Extract the Floodwaters – Use an electric submersible pump to remove floodwaters as quickly as possible. A hand pump or a shop-style vacuum will work, but they will take significantly longer.
- Dispose of Damaged Items – Throw away any item that is saturated with water or is already too damaged to save. Unfortunately, this may include some personal items.
- Remove Furniture and Personal Items – Move furniture and items you can save to a dry area. Place them on tarps to prevent them from spreading water to other areas of your home.
- Dry the Area Thoroughly – Dry the flooded area using high-volume fans and dehumidifiers. The fans help water evaporate from walls and other structural materials. The dehumidifiers then pull the water out of the air, leaving the area dry.
- Clean and Disinfect – Clean the flooded area with soap and warm water to remove dirt and debris. Then disinfect with 1 and ¼ cups of bleach per gallon of water to kill mold and bacteria that might be present.
- Restore the Flooded Area – Finally, rebuild the damaged area to its original condition. This process will vary depending on the extent of the damage.
Preventing Musty Odors From Floods
In addition to causing mold, floods often leave musty odors. The water contains all types of bacteria and contaminants, which may cause musty odors even after you clean and restore the area.
To prevent musty odors while cleanup up a flood, open windows and doors as soon as the area is dry. Doing this before it’s dry may increase the chances of mold. Use house fans to draw fresh air into the area.
You can also sprinkle baking soda throughout the room. Allow it to sit for a few hours to overnight, then vacuum it up. It may take a few applications, but it should help remove the musty smell.
Who to Call For Help Preventing Mold After a Flood?
If you’re looking to prevent mold after a flood, you should call a water damage restoration company. They have the training and equipment to remove water and dry your home in as little as 12 to 24. This significantly reduces the chances of both mold and musty smells.
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