Top Tips to Dry out a Flooded Area to Prevent Mold

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

Mold infestation is one of the many consequences of flooding. Home flooding can occur in a variety of ways. Water pipes can burst and lead to flooding as well as adverse weather conditions. When this happens, homeowners must act fast to ensure that any water damage that occurs does not become permanent. Mold is made up of tiny fungi that grow in areas that are moist and warm. They reproduce by releasing spores into the air and these spores can cause serious allergic reactions. Worse still, mold often grows in hard-to-see areas so it can still pose a problem long after the flooding problem is sorted out. By taking the following measures, homeowners can ensure that they keep mold away from their homes after flooding.

Safety Matters

Before you tackle any standing pools of water in your house, ensure that any electric power is switched off. Water is a good conductor of electricity and can cause expose you to the risk of electrocution if the water came into contact with any electrical outlets. Ensure that you wear protective gear to protect you from sharp objects that may be hidden by the water or bacterial infection from dirty water.

Identify The Source Of The Flooding

This is a logical first step in dealing with any flooding problem. If the flooding is caused by a weather phenomenon, there is not much that can be done until the weather clears and the flooding stops. If it is caused by a burst water pipe, fixing the plumbing would bring the flooding to an end. Remember to switch off the water mains as soon as possible to limit the extent of the flooding.

Remove Any Standing Water

Once the source of the flooding is fixed, the next step is to remove all the standing water in the affected area. One can use a vacuum cleaner although bringing professionals with the right equipment tends to yield better results. As you are doing this, remember to maximize air circulation to prevent mold from setting in. Mold thrives in humidity and keeping fresh air circulating will limit the ability of mold to take root. You can do this by opening windows, using fans, dehumidifiers, and the AC (if you can safely access your electric power).

Remove and Dry Any Carpets

Carpets are often a prime target for mold infestations because they absorb a lot of water and trap moisture between the fibers. If your carpet has absorbed any water, ensure that that you try and suck as much moisture from the carpet as possible. You can easily do this with a vacuum cleaner. Once this is done, place the carpet outside to dry. Sunlight not only dries the carpet but kills any mold or bacteria that may have started to form on the carpet.

Alternatively, you can have the carpet professionally cleaned and dried by professionals. With their specialized equipment, professional carpet cleaners are better placed to ensure that your carpet is thoroughly cleaned, dried, and any mold in the fibers destroyed.