Mold resulting from water damage is a threat to your health, the health of your loved ones, the well-being of your pets, and your home’s structural integrity. Even if the water is fully removed from your home and the damage is tended to, there will likely be some mold problems to handle. Unfortunately, the mold in your living space will not be visible right away. However, this is not an excuse to let the mold remain and thrive. If you do not address your mold problem stemming from water damage, it is only a matter of time until it spreads throughout your living space, causing many more problems across posterity. This is where the role of mold removal & restoration services comes into play.
Let’s take a look at the best way to handle water damage and remove mold caused by the intrusion of water into your living space.
1. Tend to the Standing Water
Standing water increases the amount of mold resulting from the leaky pipe, weather-related event, or other cause of water damage. Remove all standing water from your living space as quickly as possible. If it is not particularly humid outside, open the windows to hasten the evaporation of moisture and the drying of surfaces. Proper air circulation is especially important for hardwood where moisture often lurks after the standing water is tended to.
2. Extract all of the Moisture
Mold thrives in damp spaces. You must remove all the moisture to prevent mold from growing. Run the fans and open the windows to boost airflow. If you have a dehumidifier, turn it on the help facilitate moisture extraction. Just be sure to take a look at the holding tank as it will fill up with water that must be emptied. Such water has mold spores so don’t let it sit for an extensive period. Once you have the moisture under control, it is time to shift your attention to the mold.
3. Address the Large Surfaces That Have Been Compromised
The floors and walls must be cleaned before anything else. Lift the carpet and put it outside so it can be dried by the sun. The sun really will help kill the mold on your carpet. Leave the carpet out until the interior of your home is properly cleaned. Ideally, you will lean on our water damage and restoration gurus to clean the interior of your home, stop the growth/spread of mold, and ensure you have a completely safe living space.
Some homeowners will attempt a DIY mold removal & restoration job rather than lean on the professionals. If you take this route, you will need rubber gloves along with a ventilator mask for protection. Mix a cup of chlorine bleach with warm water in a bucket. Dip a rag into this solution and wipe down the walls. Let the walls dry. The next step is to add the solution to the floor for thorough washing. Once the floors and walls dry, go over them once again with warm water along with a liquid disinfectant. Abide by the instructions detailed on the disinfectant’s label to ensure you apply it properly. It might be necessary to add disinfectant for three or four days to ensure the mold is completely gone.
4. Clean Your Home’s Wood Furniture
Mold spores must also be removed from the wood surfaces in your home, whether it is a bookcase, a table, a desk, or another item/surface made of wood. A rag along with denatured alcohol will help remove mold spores from wood. Put a small amount of denatured alcohol on the cleaning rag, rub it along the wood surfaces, and allow it to dry. Once dried, spray the treated area with disinfectant.
5. Addressing the Porous Surfaces
Items made of fabric and upholstered items have porous surfaces. These pores will collect spores of mold when water is present. Remove all washable fabric items. Wash those items in hot water. Put upholstered items outdoors so the mold spores move into the outdoor air. Use a soft brush to brush the fabric. Leave all affected porous items in the sun for the entirety of the day to destroy the mold. Spray these items with disinfectant. Put the items back indoors. Run the vacuum to lift all of the extracted mold spores out of the upholstery. At this point, most of the mold should be eliminated.
Final Word:
Mold is extremely stubborn and getting rid of it isn’t easy. While a DIY solution will bring you temporary relief, it is only a matter of time until mold returns and spreads throughout your home. For a thorough mold removal & restoration job, it is best to rely on professionals. Only they will know how to effectively and safely remove mold from your home, thereby protecting not just your house’s integrity and aesthetics, but also the health of your loved ones.
Call Erica's Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Restoration for Help Today!
If your home has been damaged by water, the clock is ticking. The resulting mold will continue to spread throughout your living space until your health and the structural integrity of your home are compromised. Our mold removal & restoration crew is here to help with your plumbing woes and restoration challenges. Reach out to us to learn more about our plumbing and restoration services. If you would like to contact us online, simply fill out the form and we will be in touch.
