If you’ve recently experienced a house flood, you know how devastating it can be. But wait, there’s more trouble lurking around the corner–mold! Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours after a flood, and it’s not just unsightly; it can also pose serious health risks. So, what should you do immediately after a house flood to control mold and protect your home and loved ones? Read on below for the steps that you should immediately take:
Safety First: Assess and Secure Your Home
Before you even think about tackling mold, safety should be your top priority.
– Assess the damage: Carefully inspect your home for any structural damage or hazards. If you suspect that your home is unsafe, do not enter it until it’s declared safe by professionals.
– Turn off utilities: Shut off the electricity, gas, and water supply to your home to prevent any potential accidents.
– Wear protective gear: Mold exposure can be harmful, so wear appropriate protective gear like gloves, masks, and goggles.
– Ventilate the area: Open doors and windows to let fresh air in and allow moisture to escape.
Remove Standing Water and Moisture
Mold thrives in damp conditions, so it’s essential to get rid of any standing water and excess moisture promptly.
– Use pumps or buckets: When it’s safe to do so, start removing standing water from your home using pumps or buckets.
– Dry out the area: Use fans, dehumidifiers, and absorbent materials like towels and rags to dry the affected areas.
– Remove wet items: Soaked carpets, rugs, and furniture that can’t be salvaged should be disposed of immediately; don’t wait!
Clean and Disinfect
Now that your home is dry and safe to navigate, it’s time to get started on cleaning and disinfecting to prevent mold growth.
– Clean surfaces: Scrub all surfaces that came into contact with floodwater with a mixture of soap and water. This includes walls, floors, and any personal items that can be salvaged.
– Disinfect: After cleaning, use a disinfectant to kill any remaining bacteria and germs. This step is crucial for preventing health issues.
– Mold-specific cleaners: For areas with visible mold growth, use specialized mold cleaners, such as Micro Balance Health Products’ EC3 Mold Solution Concentrate. It’s made out of a proprietary blend of natural botanical ingredients that can control the level of mold in your home where you suspect it to grow. Alternatively, you can use the brand’s EC3 Mold Solution Spray, a ready-to-use product that is designed to treat mold and bacterial contamination on all hard and soft surfaces. It, too, is made out of natural botanical ingredients. Both are safe for use in households with children and/or pets.
Post-Cleaning Treatment
Once removal of wet materials and deep cleaning is complete, you can use additional techniques to make the surfaces and air inside the home safe again. It is important to ONLY do this step once the major drying and remediation work is complete.
– Use an electrostatic fogger: Micro Balance Health Products’ EC3 Electrostatic Sanitizer Fogger, when used in conjunction with the EC3 Mold Solution Concentrate, is a great way to temporarily provide a safe environment for those affected by mold and mycotoxins. It is not a replacement for professional mold remediation, but can be beneficial for households with members that suffer from allergies or sensitivities. This electrostatic fogger evenly disperses the solution into the air, and is designed to improve both the efficiency and coverage of the formula by electrostatically charging the droplets. This causes them to be attracted to surfaces and stick to them. In addition to even coverage, the fine mist from an electrostatic fogger can penetrate cracks, crevices, and porous surfaces where mold may be lurking, and can help deactivate mold spores. The EC3 Mold Solution Concentrate will also help to deodorize the surfaces and air.
Dealing with mold after a house flood is a race against time. By following these crucial steps, though, you can take immediate action to control mold and protect your home and health.
If you’re unsure about mold growth or can’t get it under control, don’t hesitate to call in professionals. They have the expertise and equipment to handle severe mold infestations.
