7 Ways to Prevent Mold Growth After a Flood

When disaster strikes, there’s no telling how it will affect your home. If you experience flooding in your home, it’s important to ensure that the flood damage doesn’t lead to mold growth, which can be both destructive and unhealthy. Mold will continue to grow and spread without proper intervention, so it’s important to stop mold growth as soon as possible after a flood has occurred and prevent future mold from growing in the same place where there already is mold growth. These seven tips from the experts who specialize in mold removal in Oakville on how to prevent mold growth after a flood will give you the information you need to handle the aftermath with confidence and safety.

Place Humidifiers at Strategic Locations

Once you’ve pumped out all the water, it’s time to dry out your home. Place dehumidifiers in strategic locations, including rooms with carpeted floors, such as bedrooms and living rooms, and basements as well. Let dehumidifiers work overnight while you sleep and discard the collected water once they reach their maximum capacity.

Hire Professional Mold Removal Services

The longer you wait, after all, the more likely it is that mold will settle in. Additionally, mold can cause allergic reactions in people who don’t otherwise suffer from allergies. So, it’s worth getting it cleaned up as soon as possible. If you know your attic has been flooded or your instincts tell you something isn’t right, hire professional mold remediation in Oakville.

Use Sanitizers Like Bleach

Did you know bleach is one of the few chemicals that can kill mold? Use a diluted solution of 5% bleach and water on any surfaces or carpets where mold appears. When using bleach, be sure to wear rubber gloves and eye protection. Make sure to rinse anything you clean with bleach after use. You should also avoid using any cleaning products that contain ammonia, as it will encourage mold growth by killing off beneficial bacteria in your home. But, hiring a professional who performs mold removal in Oakville is a wise choice compared to any DIY.

Allow Air Flow

The most important thing you can do after a flood is allowing your home to dry. The first 72 hours after a flood are critical; if moisture is allowed to remain on your walls then mold can begin to grow within that time frame. If you have an attic or crawl space, be sure they are well-ventilated, in addition to your main living areas. Also, don’t forget to hire a professional for attic mold removal in Oakville.

Remove Carpeting

Of course, you want to remove everything if there’s been a flood—including carpeting, tile, and drywall. But it’s not always feasible to strip everything down, especially if you rent. That’s why having an expert come in for mold removal in Oakville is helpful. They can remove all of your furniture and belongings while wearing masks, gloves, and other protective gear. Once they’re done, they can also apply anti-fungal treatments or dehumidifiers if needed.

The author of this article is an expert in mold removal in Mississauga and has over two decades of experience in the industry.