Flooded basements are every homeowner’s worst problem. During the rainy season, heavy rains and severe flooding can occur. Water pours into the basement through the windows and walls. Because of this, water gathers in the basement, leading to various issues.
Mold development is one of the most common issues following basement flooding. It not only makes the place appear and smell dirty, but it also causes a significant health hazard. To keep mold at bay, you need to take action within 24 to 48 hours and use the solutions below.
What’s the best approach to prevent mold after flooding?
Mold can only be prevented from thriving by completely drying out the affected area as soon as possible. To do this, here are some tips you can take to help keep your basement mold-free after a flood:
Examine Each Room
The first step is to evaluate how bad the mold problem is in your home. Even if the flooding was contained in the basement alone, checking each room for any signs of mold buildup is best. Mold spreads fast. Therefore, you should examine each space thoroughly to minimize the risk as soon as possible.
Quickly Dry Wet Items
Mold grows in damp environments. So, you should eliminate this setting immediately to prevent further mold development. Dry all the wet items in the basement at once using dehumidifiers, air conditioners, or fans to speed up the process. If there is no electrical power, a generator can run the dehumidifier. Don’t let anything sit in the water, as that will only worsen the issue.
Remove Wet Carpets
Do you have a carpet installed in your basement? If so, the carpets must be completely soaked by the flood, and you need to deal with the soggy carpeting promptly. If you don’t pick them up, the mold will spread under the rug and become difficult to remove. Therefore, you must take away wet carpets and have them dried out immediately. If the carpets can be used again, they need to be professionally cleaned and disinfected before being put back in place.
Clean Up All Affected Areas
It is critical to clean up the affected areas to ensure that contaminants and bacteria will be eliminated from the surrounding environment. That being said, removing the drywall and other parts of the home is often necessary. If water enters the walls and under the structural framework, it needs to be cleaned and dried properly to prevent mold growth.
Sanitize All Surfaces
After removing all excess moisture content, you must sanitize all sources. You can purchase over-the-counter cleaning products to eliminate bacteria and the possibility of mold. If you follow these actions, mold development can be avoided. However, preventive measures do not always get the job done, so if you notice any indications of mold growth despite doing something about it, you should contact an expert in mold removal and remediation right away.
Get Professional Help
If you feel you can not do all these tasks yourself, you can always get professional assistance from a property restoration company. After a basement flood or any other type of water leak, you may hire them to help you clean and restore your home quickly. The experts have dealt with flooded basements and mold growth for decades and know how to solve these issues effectively.
