Mold growth inside your home after a water leak can be frustrating after an already horrible day. However, as long as you follow the recommended clean-up procedures, you can restore your home back to sorts. Here are some recommendations to help you clean up after a water leak and mold growth.
Effectively Clean Up the Moisture
When you discover a moisture leak anywhere inside your home, time is not on your side and you need to get the area dried out as soon as possible. If there is already visible mold growth with the appearance of black or greenish-colored spots on the wet surfaces, you already have mold growth and will need to clean it up as soon as possible. However, if the area is simply wet, act immediately to get it dried out and the air moisture levels reduced as soon as possible.
Mop up and suck up any standing water, then use fans, including box fans, ceiling fans, and high powered fans to circulate the air and dry out the moisture. A dehumidifier running in each room will help to pull moisture from the air, which increases the rate at which the moisture will dry out.
If you are dealing with moisture inside your carpeting and pad beneath the carpet, pull it up and dispose of the padding. There is no effective way to dry out padding and it will hold in the moisture and grow mold. Throw the padding into the trash and plan to replace it. You can clean up the carpeting and dry it out to save it as long as you dry it out within 24 hours or less. Leaving moisture in the carpeting for longer will promote mildew and mold growth.
Use Mold Elimination Solutions
When there is already mold growing on your flooring, carpeting, drywall, or floorboards, use a cleaner containing bleach and water or vinegar to remove the mold and kill any remaining mold spores that are left behind. Keep in mind that there are mold spores present all over most surfaces, and only in the right conditions will they begin to grow into mold. So when an area is being ventilated and dried out, killing any mold spores that you cannot see will prevent mold growth while the item can dry out.
For example, you find mold growing on your basement baseboards, so you use a detergent solution and wipe off the surface mold with a rag. Next, wipe the surface of the baseboards with a rag moistened with a vinegar or bleach and water solution. Let the solution air dry on the baseboards, which will render the mold spores inactive and protect the surface from regrowth while the area dries out from the moisture.
Keep in mind it is recommended to contact a local professional mold remediation to clean up any mold problems. They will be able to remove and dispose of the damaged material and clean up the area professionally and efficiently.
Reach out to a mold remediation service today for more information.
Moving forward and repairing your home can be really difficult, especially if you aren't exactly a DIY enthusiast. However, the fact of the matter is that there are all kinds of repairs that you can take care of on your own, helping you to design a home that truly feels custom. From adding crown molding to your house to repairing an old water leak, restoring your home is as easy as taking a look around and knowing which projects to undertake. From repainting the interior of your home to knowing what to do about issues with your plumbing, taking the opportunity to completely transform your home is easier with a repair and restoration contractor.