How Can Mold Be Prevented After Water Damage?

November 04,2021

Hurricanes, heavy rains, or blizzards can cause water damage that can lead to mildew, serious health risks. When water damage occurs, microorganisms that become colonies of mold are in the air, and when they come into contact with water, they overgrow within 24 to 48 hours. And the higher the humidity, the more mold will grow.

How do you prevent mold from developing after a flood? The most effective way is to dry the flooded or damaged areas as soon as possible. You can also follow these tips:

1. Open the door if it's not too damp outside. Make sure it's on during the day and off at night.

2. Remove all sundries and wet objects from the room and disinfect exposed surfaces with disinfectant.

3. Throw out any materials that absorb water.

 4. Remove moisture from your carpet with a carpet extractor or wet/dry vacuum cleaner.

5. Use a fan to accelerate indoor air circulation.

6. In a closed area, if the area is small, you can use a small dehumidifier dedicated to the home and office dehumidifier to dry indoor air and wet items. In addition, if the area requiring drying is large, you will need an industrial or commercial dehumidifier, or even a dehumidifier specifically designed for water damage restoration, to assist you with the drying work.

How long does it take if a dehumidifier is used to dry the area after water damage? It depends on different items in different areas. Typically, it takes two days to several weeks for buildings to dry out after water damage. Of these, materials such as gypsum and insulation take longer to dry, so it is best to replace them. When humidity drops below 50 percent, it inhibits mold growth, otherwise continuing to damage the building. To determine if a home is completely dry, you can check if the porous surface in the space is totally dry or measure it with a hygrometer.

In addition, the following cleaning products can be used to remove mold when it is found to have grown :1. Commercial mold and mildew removers. 2. Soda or sodium triphosphate (5 tablespoons per gallon of water). 3. Solution of bleach and water (1/4 cup laundry bleach per gallon of water).