How to Prevent Mold After Water Damage

You never know when a pipe might burst, or a storm might damage the roof–you could wind up with water damage that causes a new set of problems: mold.

Whether the mold happens underneath a wet rug, in a damp basement space, or on your walls, you don’t want it. Mold acts as a pollutant to your household and could even damage your physical health.

So, what do you do when water damage causes mold growth? We have a few tips on how to prevent mold after water damage and clear up the existing spores.

Keep reading to know more.

Assess and Remove Excess Water Immediately

The most important step in preventing mold in the house is to assess and remove excess water immediately. Mold growth takes 24-48 hours to start and will become increasingly difficult to mitigate if home water damage is not addressed quickly. After water damage, remove all of the wet materials, such as carpets and furniture, so that the area can be properly inspected and treated.

Once all of the contents have been pumped or suctioned out of the building, check any hard-to-reach areas for water damage. It is also important to ensure all remaining materials are thoroughly dried and treated with an anti-mold agent to prevent the growth of mold.

Keep the Air Moisture-Free

To answer, “How long does it take mold to grow,” mold growth can happen in a matter of days or even hours when water damage occurs in a home. To prevent it, homeowners should keep the air moisture-free. You can do this by using a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air and using fans to circulate and dry out the affected areas.

Keep windows and doors open to air out the problematic rooms and periodically check up on them to make sure mold has not taken root. Additionally, waterproof cement should be used for new wall materials, and baseboards should be made of vinyl or rubber, as these are less likely to become moldy.

Clean and Dry All Affected Surfaces

Pour white vinegar over any porous materials to kill existing mold spores, then scrub the surfaces clean to remove residual mold. When cleaning, use gloves and a mask in order to protect yourself from inhalation or contact.

Anything that cannot be cleaned or dried promptly should be removed, discarded, and replaced, as these items can become sources of mold growth in the future. Once the cleaning is done, use fans and dehumidifiers to dry the area and leave them running until the surfaces are completely dry.

Monitor for Signs of Mold Growth

Monitoring for signs of mold growth is a key step in preventing mold after water damage. At least once a day, inspect for water spots and any discoloration or musty odors that might indicate microbial growth.

Frequently inspect all areas where the water was present, paying special attention to any cracks, crevices, or other areas that could be conducive to mold growth. You can also hire mold remediation services.

Apply These Tips on How to Prevent Mold After Water Damage

To prevent mold from further damage, act quickly to dry and clean up the water damage and reduce the humidity. Mold spores can be dangerous, so take all the necessary steps to eliminate the threat of mold. Use these tips on how to prevent mold after water damage to avoid such mold spores that may pose a danger to your family’s health.

Don’t put yourself at risk. Make sure to keep your home safe from mold!

For more tips, keep reading more of our posts.