If you’ve experienced a flood inside your home or building, you’ll need to react quickly. Water damage can lead to mold in as little as 24 hours.
A short guide on how to prevent mold after water damage would be to remove the water as quickly as possible. Then, make sure to dry all the affected areas and to ensure proper ventilation.
However, there are a few more tips and tricks that will help you ensure mold doesn’t appear. So, keep reading, as we will outline six practical steps to effectively prevent mold growth from water damage.
How Fast Does Mold Grow After Water Damage?
As already mentioned, mold can start growing in as little as 24 to 48 hours after water exposure. Temperature and humidity are two of the numerous environmental factors that affect mold formation.
Mold growth process depends on the material affected by floods. For instance, materials such as carpets, drywalls, insulations, and others that can easily hold moisture act as the best breeding ground for molds. However mold is less likely to appear on non-porous surfaces like metals and plastics.
Why should you worry about preventing mold? The damage it can do to your property is the least of your concerns.
There is one particularly concerning type of mold called black mold, which is notorious for its potential health risks. Black mold tends to appear after significant water damages, where constant moisture provides an ideal breeding ground.
It’s important to be aware that mold can grow and spread at a microscopic level long before it becomes noticeable. You will not be able to spot mold with the naked eye for the first few days. It can actually take up to 21 days for the mold spores to become visible.
This invisible risk emphasizes the need to address water damage as quickly and as thoroughly as possible to prevent mold growth.
How to Prevent Mold After Water Damage? 6 Steps You Need to Take
If you’ve experienced floods or water damage recently, here are the six steps you need to take to prevent mold.
1. Remove Water Immediately
It goes without saying that removing all standing water as quickly as possible is the first critical step in preventing mold after a flood.
Plastic buckets are a cheap, easy, and fast method to remove a large amount of water. But no matter how economical and practical, this method can be physically demanding and time-consuming if you’re dealing with significant flooding.
Consider using a wet-dry vacuum for a more thorough and less labor-intensive approach. If you don’t own one, you can purchase or rent a wet-dry vacuum at most hardware stores and equipment rental outlets. These vacuums can typically pump out 5-10 gallons of water per minute, providing a rapid solution to water removal.
2. Remove Carpets and Flooring
Once the standing water is gone, you can move on to the rugs and floors. Carpets and padding soak up water quickly and can hide moisture, which makes them perfect places for mold to grow if they’re not taken care of right away.
First, pull up and peel back the edges to access the padding and flooring under the carpet. If the carpet appears heavily saturated, you might want to remove it entirely to prevent mold growth. Cut the carpet into pieces with a tool knife. This will make it easier to move and remove if needed.
It’s important to assess the level of damage to other types of flooring, such as laminate or hardwood. These materials can also trap moisture underneath, leading to warping and mold.
Remove any planks or tiles that have been soaked or have started to buckle to allow the subfloor to dry completely. This step is crucial to effectively prevent mold from water damage and maintain the structural integrity of your flooring.
3. Dry and Clean All Surfaces and Furniture
This tip may seem like a no-brainer, but it is really important to emphasize that you need to dry any damp furniture and surfaces. Moisture in fabrics and solid surfaces may quickly turn into a breeding ground for mold.
Dry all damp surfaces using a cloth or a towel. Look especially in nooks and crannies, such as behind drapes, and beneath furniture, where moisture can build up.
Then, clean all hard surfaces—countertops, walls, and non-upholstered furniture—with a gentle detergent solution. When it comes to upholstered furniture and draperies, a good approach is to use a steam cleaner.
To make sure all mold spores or germs were completely eliminated, disinfect every surface that has been impacted by the water. If you’re not sure which products to use
To eliminate any remaining mold spores and other germs, disinfect every surface that has been impacted by the water. If you are not sure which products to use for disinfecting surfaces, we suggest one of the following:
- Products that contain hydrogen peroxide help prevent mold without leaving toxic residues,
- Regular disinfectants or specialized mold disinfectant sprays,
- A solution of 10% fresh bleach to 90 percent water (no more than one cup of bleach per gallon of water),
- Commercial mold and mildew removers, in case there is visible mold.
4. Ventilate and Dehumidify the Area
For further mold prevention after water damage, you need to ensure that fresh air circulates through the affected areas. This will help speed up the drying process and reduce the moisture levels mold spores need to thrive.
If the weather permits, open all windows and doors in the affected area to allow natural airflow. This helps remove humid air and bring in dry, fresh air, which is vital for reducing indoor humidity.
You can also purchase a dehumidifier – a neat appliance that will draw in all the warm, moist air and replace it with cool, dry air. By doing so, the flooded area will become a less habitable environment for mold.
A strong fan or multiple fans can have a similar effect. But, you need to make sure that no mold has formed at all, as fans can spread existing mold.
5. Monitor Humidity and Maintain Dry Conditions
The key to preventing mold growth after water damage is to ensure that the environment remains dry. Make sure to monitor humidity levels continuously with a hygrometer, a specialized device for checking humidity levels in your home.
If you own an air purifier, try using it as well. Most air purifiers display room humidity levels, but they may not be as reliable as a hygrometer.
The ideal indoor humidity should be between 30% and 50% to prevent mold growth.
6. Use Mold-Inhibiting Products
To further safeguard your home from mold, incorporating mold-inhibiting products into the cleanup process is highly effective. These products help create a barrier that discourages mold growth on surfaces even after they are dry.
If you’re not sure what to use to prevent mold after flood, we suggest EPA-approved mold inhibitors and antimicrobial sprays explicitly designed to prevent mold on various surfaces. You can usually apply these products to walls, floors, and other surfaces.
Some mold-inhibiting products require periodic reapplication. Check the manufacturer’s instructions and maintain a regular schedule to ensure ongoing protection.
If you plan to replace your drywall, flooring, or other structural elements, make sure to treat these materials with mold-resistant primers or paints before installation.
One important thing to keep in mind is that safety comes first. When applying any chemical products, ensure the area is well-ventilated to prevent inhalation of fumes.
Make sure to wear protective gloves and masks as well to prevent any contact with harmful chemicals that could cause skin irritation or respiratory issues.
Where to Look for Mold in Your Home After Flooding or Water Damage?
Still concerned mold may be creeping into your home, even after you have followed all the steps for mold prevention above? Don’t worry! Here’s where to check for mold:
- Walls and Ceilings: Check behind wallpaper, paneling, and wall hangings, especially in corners and near window frames where moisture may accumulate. Pay attention to areas where water might have seeped in from the outside or from leaking pipes inside the walls.
- Flooring: Look under carpets, rugs, and padding, particularly in basements and lower levels of your home. Check for any warping or discoloration on hardwood floors, which can indicate trapped moisture beneath the surface.
- Furniture and Fabrics: Inspect upholstered furniture and curtains closely for any signs of mold growth. This includes checking in crevices and underneath where moisture can hide and remain undetected.
- HVAC Systems: Air ducts can collect dust and moisture, making them ideal for mold growth. Inspect the air intake and return vents, and consider having a professional check the internal parts of your HVAC system.
- Basements and Crawl Spaces: These areas are particularly prone to dampness and are often less ventilated, which creates perfect conditions for mold. Look along the foundation walls and floors for any signs of moisture or mold.
- Behind Appliances: Check behind and underneath appliances like washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, and dishwashers where leaks can occur and go unnoticed.
- Attics: Roof leaks can lead to mold growth in the attic, often visible in the insulation or on the wooden framing.
- Window Sills and Door Frames: These areas can collect condensation from temperature differences between the indoors and outdoors.
What Are The Most Common Signs of Mold?
If you’ve looked for mold everywhere, but you still have that feeling that something may be wrong, here are the signs to look out for.
If you notice any spots on your walls or ceiling, make sure to check for the following:
- Does the spot have a musty smell?
- Is the material warping, cracking, or peeling?
- Does a drop of bleach cause the color to lighten within a minute or two?
- Is there a source of moisture nearby?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you might be dealing with a bigger mold problem. Also, if you notice that you or any of your family members suddenly have typical allergic symptoms that seem to improve when you leave your home, that could be a sign of mold presence. These symptoms include a stuffy or runny nose, an itchy or sore throat, cough, sneezing, or even severe allergic responses such as rhinitis, asthma, or pneumonia.
When Is Mold Remediation Required?
If the flood or the water damage isn’t too significant, taking the necessary steps to prevent mold is likely to work. However, if you do notice mold forming, you may be tempted to Google “How to kill mold” and get rid of it by yourself.
Do DIY mold removal sprays work, such as mixing bleach with water or ammonia with water? These sprays may be effective if the area is smaller than ten square feet or a 3×3-foot patch, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
An important note is that these solutions will treat surface mold only. Molds resulting from water damage often penetrate deeper into materials and require more thorough methods than surface cleaning.
If the mold growth covers more than ten square feet, it is suggested to contact mold remediation company. Handling large areas of mold can be complex and requires specialized equipment and techniques to ensure the mold is thoroughly removed and that it does not return.
For residents in the Michigan area, RAM Restoration team specializes in dealing with extensive mold issues and water damage restoration.
Our team isn’t just competent at what they do; they’re IICRC-certified professionals. We’ve all gone through extensive training and certification to perform mold remediation in the safest, most comprehensive way possible.
Located in Grand Rapids so we can be on the job as soon as you need us, our team is on your service 24/7. Feel free to contact us at any time for more information!
FAQs
How likely is mold after damage?
Mold development is quite likely after water damage if the moisture is not removed quickly and efficiently. Mold can start to spread in as little as 24 to 48 hours, which emphasizes the need to act quickly to dry out afflicted areas.
What kills mold from water damage?
Use EPA-approved fungicides or moldicides for mold cleanup to eradicate mold growing from water damage. Diluted bleach, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide can also work well on non-porous surfaces, but deeper infestations should be treated by a specialist.
What can I spray to prevent mold after water damage?
Typical mold prevention products are mold inhibitors and antibacterial treatments. Borate solutions or hydrogen peroxide products work well since they stop mold growth without leaving harmful aftereffects.
What discourages mold growth?
The best way to discourage mold growth is to ensure low humidity levels (below 50%). You can do so by using dehumidifiers and making sure the space is adequately ventilated. Mold can also be avoided in moist places by utilizing mold-resistant paint and building materials.
