Flooded basements are every homeowner’s worst problem. During the stormy season, there is a chance of heavy rains and extreme flooding. Water pours into the basement through the windows and walls. Because of this, water gathers in the basement, leading to many issues.
Mold growth is one of the most frequent issues following basement flooding. It not only makes the place look and smell dirty, but it also causes a significant health risk. To keep mold at bay, you must act within 24 to 48 hours and use the methods laid out below.
What’s the best approach to prevent mold after flooding?
Mold can only be prevented from thriving by fully drying the affected area as soon as possible. To do this, here are some steps you can take to keep your basement mold-free after a flood:
Examine Each Room
The initial step is to evaluate how bad the mold problem is in your home. Even if the flooding was contained in the basement alone, it is best to inspect each room for any signs of mold buildup. Mold spreads fast. Therefore, you need to sift through each space to eliminate the threat as quickly as possible. In order to prevent mold growth in your flooded basement, you can find more details on this page about when to hire a professional cleaning service.
Quickly Dry Wet Items
Mold thrives in wet environments. So, you should take care of this setting as soon as possible to prevent further mold development. Dry all the wet things in the basement using dehumidifiers, air conditioners, or fans to speed up the procedure. If there is no electricity, a generator can run the dehumidifier. Don’t allow anything to 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 tough to remove. As a result, you must remove wet carpets and have them dried immediately. If the carpets can be used again, they should be professionally cleaned and sanitized before being put back in place.
Clean Up All Affected Areas
It is a high priority to clean up the affected areas to make sure that any contaminants and bacteria will be eradicated from the surrounding environment. That being said, removing the drywall and other parts of the home is sometimes necessary. If water gets inside the walls and under the structural framework, it needs to be cleaned and dried out properly to prevent mold development.
Sanitize All Surfaces
After removing all excess moisture, you must clean and sanitize all sources. You can purchase over-the-counter cleaning solutions to eliminate bacteria and the possibility of mold. If you follow these actions, mold growth can be avoided. Unfortunately, preventive measures do not always get the job done, so if you notice any signs of mold growth despite taking action, you should contact an expert right away.
Get Professional Help
If you feel you can not do all these tasks by yourself, you can always get professional help from a disaster restoration in Meadow Woods. After a basement flood or any other form of a water leak, you may hire them to help you clean and restore your home quickly. The pros have worked with flooded basements and mold growth for years and know how to solve these problems effectively.
