9 Mold Prevention Tips Following A Flood

Mold is a fungus that can grow on any surface and in any environment. It thrives in moist, warm conditions and can cause serious health problems for people who breathe it in. In the aftermath of a flood, it's important to take steps to prevent mold growth and protect your family's health. In this article, Mold remediation experts from ABC Environmental Contracting Services share this 9 mold prevention tips following a flood.

Mold Prevention: The First 24-36 Hours Are Crucial

Mold and bacteria grow and spread fast in wet conditions. Mold feeds on water and bacteria spreads fast if a flooded property gets saturated in sewage.

Keeping your home mold-free after a flood is critical for keeping it healthy and safe, especially for individuals who suffer from asthma or allergies. The best way to do mold prevention is to clean up promptly after a flood. Mold and mildew can begin to form as soon as 24-36 hours after a flood, and it frequently hides in places that are easily overlooked. For example, the attic, basement, or crawlspace may have water damage that should be cleaned up immediately.

9 Tips to Mold Prevention

1. Get started right away: Mold and mildew develop quickly, so start the mold prevention and cleanup process as quickly as possible.
2. Ventilation will be beneficial: Immediately clean and dry the house. Ventilation can be achieved by opening windows. Fans and dehumidifiers may also be beneficial for mold prevention.
3. Wear a mask: Always wear gloves, eye protection, and a mask when cleaning to keep yourself safe from potential mold. For mold infested areas, N-95 or higher grade masks are recommended.
4. Make use of the proper cleaning solution: To wash and disinfect surfaces, combine 350 mL of household bleach with 4 liters of water. Warning, keep in mind bleach and ammonia should never be mixed. Be cautious of this cleanup process, the fumes could be harmful to your health.
5. Consider removing carpets: Carpets will very certainly have to be totally removed. Even if they dry out, the mold spores are still present.
6. If you can't clean it, get rid of it: When considering mold prevention, it is important to remember that porous materials, such as wallboard, fiberglass, and cellulose, must be removed since they cannot be cleaned.
7. When pollutants are inevitable, wear an air pollution mask : To avoid breathing mold spores or other airborne pollutants, wear a KN95-certified pollution protection mask. A KN95 or NIOSH N95-compliant mask can keep up to 95% of particle contaminants out of your airways and help you breathe easier.
8. Use an air cleaner: Even while the job proceeds, a high performance air purifier for mold spores may assist in mold prevention and to clean the air.
9. Know when to bring in the professionals for mold prevention and remediation: This is especially true if the damage was caused by sewage or polluted water, or if mold is already present in significant quantities. Ascertain that any company has prior expertise and knowledge clearing mold and adheres to EPA mold prevention and cleanup guidelines.

The emotional strain of having to toss out cherished chairs, toys, or family heirlooms may be one of the most painful aspects of the mold prevention and cleanup operation. However, if there is a risk that these things are tainted, it is preferable to discard them. Your house and indoor air quality will soon be safe and healthy again if you act fast and take the proper mold prevention procedures to control mold after a flood.

Floods are both devastating and destructive. That's why remembering the 9 tips in mold prevention after a flood is an invaluable reminder for home owners everywhere.

A Mold Remediation Company Serving St. Louis, MO

Contact ABC Environmental Contracting Services at (314) 668-1509 today for 24 hour water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, or mold remediation in St Louis along with any of our other services or get an instant quote from our website.  Our Mold Remediation Company will get to your Missouri home in 30 to 60 minutes.

Learn more about how the mold remediation process works.