Water damage has left grotesque eyesores all over your home. And that's not even the worst part. Now you have mold.
So, how do you prevent mold from water damage? And how do you clean it up when it happens? Keep reading and find out.
Right here, we've written you a complete guide on what to do about mold from water damage. And we didn't miss a step so that you wouldn't miss a step.
Don't let this infestation torment you any longer. Follow these steps to kick mold out of your house and keep it out.
1. Prevent Excess Moisture
You know why the mold is there in the first place: it thrives in dampness. The spot where the mold is growing indicates a place where moisture remained long enough to become a breeding ground for mold. (This only takes about 48 hours.)
The point is, all your efforts to eliminate the mold infestation won't do any good until you eliminate the dampness that's feeding it. Your first step, then, is to eliminate the cause of the dampness, if you haven't already.
Stopping Excess Moisture at the Source
Start by getting any moisture-causing problems repaired. For example, if the mold is caused by a leak in your roof or a leaky pipe in your plumbing, have the issue repaired right away.
It's also common for mold to grow in your bathroom after an overflowed toilet or other such flooding. Then, steam from the shower or water dripped from washed hands keeps this room moist.
Make sure your bathroom fan is working properly and is big enough to remove shower steam quickly. Always clean up spilled or dripped water in the bathroom right away.
2. Dehumidify Your Home
Another cause of constant indoor moisture is high humidity in your home. This may be caused by the climate in your local area, a malfunctioning air conditioner, or a combination of reasons.
In any case, to deal with the mold in your home, you first need to take measures to reduce high indoor humidity. You should be able to find hygrometers at your local hardware store to test the humidity level in your home. Buy one for each room and set them up around your house.
Next, try to keep the humidity level below 60%. Running your air conditioner should dehumidify the indoor air. Check your hygrometers to be certain, though. If the AC isn't helping, have it inspected.
You can also buy dehumidifiers for this purpose.
3. Clean Surface Mold Right Away
Now, we know we said to focus on eliminating excess moisture first. However, the steps above might take a few days to complete.
In the meantime, don't leave any visible mold growth untreated. During your efforts to dry out your home, the mold you see will continue to spread.
And it doesn't just spread out on the surface. It attempts to grow as deep into the infested material as it can. The longer it sits, the deeper the infestation gets, and the faster the spreading becomes.
4. Clean Surface Mold With Hydrogen Peroxide
As for how you should clean the mold, the best answer is, "Don't." The truth is, cleaning up mold from water damage is better left to a professional water restoration or mold removal company.
But, as we said, you don't want to leave surface mold sitting there, either. So, to clean it up now, you want to use a cleaner that will kill the mold, not just wipe it off.
The safest mold cleaner to use in your home is hydrogen peroxide. It cleans deeper than a sanitizing surface cleaner. And it won't leave an odor behind as vinegar would.
Thoroughly spray the infested area and leave it sitting for an hour. Then scrub it off, completely dry the area, and keep it as dry as possible.
5. Try Other Cleaning Methods
Most commonly, bleach is suggested for cleaning mold. But this harsh chemical is unsafe for pets and can damage the material you are cleaning.
If you do use bleach, test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to see if it causes damage. Ventilate the area well and wear rubber gloves.
Never use other cleaners with the bleach. Combining other chemicals with bleach can produce deadly fumes.
Alternatively, use a product specifically designed to remove mold, like Concrobium. Or try baking soda mixed with water.
6. Get Professional Help
Again, make sure you have a professional mold removal company take a look at your infestation. Only they can tell how deep the infestation is and if it's a health hazard.
Plus, they'll ensure that the job gets done right so it won't come back or get worse beneath the surface. That's especially true if their work comes with a guarantee.
7. Preventing Future Mold Outbreaks
Lastly, some households never have to deal with mold. Since you are dealing with it, it means that your house is somewhat prone to mold growth.
In other words, the other tips on this list are only the beginning. Now, you need to be proactive about preventing future mold outbreaks.
Once you've fixed the issue that caused the mold growth, stay on top of regular maintenance. For example, if the cause was a leaky roof or a faulty air conditioner, get the proper maintenance done on these as necessary to keep them in good repair.
Or, if the mold often appears in your bathroom even though the fan is working, consider repainting with a mildewcidal paint. A paint with mildewcide may help to reduce the occurrence of mold growth.
Are You Dealing With Mold From Water Damage?
Don't wait to deal with mold from water damage or it will get worse fast. Keep this guide and follow these steps to remove mold from your house for good.
Now, what do you need help with next? We've got the tips you need. Keep checking our blog for the latest cleaning hacks, crafts, travel tips, and more.