How to clean up mould after a flood

Cleaning up after a flood is already a tiring task in itself. Unfortunately, you may still have to suffer the consequences that a flood brings, specifically mould growth. Remember that mould only develops after a flood for two to four days. If not handled immediately, mould wouldn’t just affect your health in multiple ways—it can also damage your home’s structure.

Due to its effects, every homeowner whose home just got flooded should immediately remediate mould growth. But if any part of your property already has mould, don’t fret. With the right advice, you can still safely eliminate mould and even prevent it from reoccurring on your property.

To help you out, here’s a quick guide on how to clean up mould after a flood:

Know when to call a professional

With the right equipment, experience and tips and techniques, you can DIY the entire mould clean-up process. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), if the affected area is less than ten square feet, you might not need a mould removal expert. Hence, if a more extensive part of your home is affected by mould or you don’t have the necessary know-how, it’s best to call an expert.

The best mould removal specialists in Melbourne have the equipment and training to handle any type and size of mould growth in the most systematic and safest way possible. In addition to cleaning up the mould, these experts can also trace and address the source of moisture, which is a significant key to mould growth. Lastly, suppose mould growth has caused damage to any parts of your home. These professionals can remove or restore those specific areas, making your home or contents look brand-new.

Prepare for clean-up

As mentioned above, mould can be a health risk for those susceptible to it. Mould can cause allergic symptoms, including the following:

•        Runny nose
•        Itching
•        Watery eyes
•        Sneezing
•        Wheezing
•        Difficulty breathing
•        Headache
•        Fatigue
•        Coughing

Thus, the moment you notice any mould, act on it immediately—either by removing them yourself or calling an expert. If you opt for the former route, make sure to call your insurance company and take pictures of areas, including your belongings, affected by mould. Also, suppose you can no longer clean, dry out and keep any item within two to four days. Then, it’s best to throw them away. Keeping items damaged by mould can only invite more spores into your home.

Cleaning up

If you’re sensitive to mould exposure, wear the necessary safety equipment, like gloves, respirators, masks and goggles, when cleaning up the mould yourself. Once you’ve prepared yourself and are ready to clean up the mould, keep these clean-up tips in mind:

• Invite fresh air into your home: The need to open your home to fresh air is only necessary if the humidity inside your home is higher than outdoors. In this case, you can use dehumidifiers and fans to dry away any excess moisture. You can also open as many doors and windows in your home, letting fresh air flow in. Don’t forget to have sufficient airflow in your attic, too, especially since this is where mould often grows.
• Clean up surfaces and standing water: Use a wet/dry vacuum to clean any standing water. For hard surfaces, you can use a 10% bleach solution. Ensure you don’t mix ammonia and bleach as the concoction can emit toxic vapours.

Once you’re confident you’ve removed mould in any part of your home, end the cleaning process by taking a shower and washing any clothing you wore when cleaning up. Doing so will help you avoid spreading mould in other areas of your house.

Prevent mould from growing back

As you can see, mould won’t only cost you time and money, but its toxicity can affect you and your family’s health. Hence, it’s best to have some preventive measures in place and safeguard your home from mould.

Here are some tips for preventing mould growth:

•        Use a dehumidifier in damp areas
•        Ventilate kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas
•        Vent clothes dryer to the outside
•        Fix leaks in the roof, walls, windows, or pipes
•        Use mould-resistant paint

Final words

After your home is flooded, expect that mould will be a challenge that you’ll face sooner or later. If you’re allergic to mould, then the symptoms are good indicators that a part of your home is already affected by mould.

On the other hand, if you’re not allergic to mould, you can’t easily detect its presence with your nose or eyes. In this scenario, it’s best to call a mould removal company. That way, they can conduct a thorough inspection of your home, preventing mould from wreaking havoc on you, your family’s health and the structural integrity of your home.

// Sponsored Content