One of the most challenging parts of dealing with water damage is getting everything clean and dry before mold can start to grow. Water damage cleaning must begin immediately after any damage has been done, although you could still experience some mold growth.
Follow these tips below on how a professional water damage cleaning company handles cleaning and mold prevention to get your house back to normal as quickly as possible.
Work Fast!
As the saying goes, time is of the essence, especially when you are dealing with water damage. Besides the obvious damage to your belongings, the main concern is preventing mold growth which can start to grow on surfaces and in fabrics within a day or two. To stop it before it even starts, you must begin water damage clean up as quickly as possible.
If you are unable to start the cleaning and drying process immediately, be sure to treat your home and belongings for mold to kill any growth and prevent it from starting.
Discard All Unsalvageable Items
Begin cleaning by removing all damaged items from your house. Discard items that cannot be salvaged, either because they have absorbed too much water or because these things may harbor mold.
Carpeting, upholstered furniture, and textiles are prime hosts for mold as is drywall, wood trim, and items made from particleboard or other water-absorbing materials. Although some furnishings may be salvageable if handled by a professional water damage cleaning company, most should be thrown out as upholstery is difficult to clean and sanitize.
Get It Dry Fast
After emptying areas of your home with water damage and doing a thorough cleaning, get the air moving and dry out the house. Open windows, turn on dehumidifiers, and set up fans to allow the dampness to evaporate as quickly as possible. If necessary, rent industrial grade floor fans that water damage cleaning services use to dry large areas. The faster you remove moisture from affected areas, the less chance there is for mold growth.
Treat for Mold
In the event that you were unable to start cleaning efforts immediately or could already see mold growth during the drying stage, stop and treat for it. This requires scrubbing all affected surfaces with hot water and either a disinfectant solution that can kill mold or a solution of bleach and water. The drying process must then start again, hopefully removing all moisture before any new mold spores can be introduced to the area and begin to grow.
Call In A Pro
Although cleaning damaged areas and treatment for mold may sound easy, this process can be more involved than it may seem. Speed is of the essence. Industrial equipment may be required for success in preventing or killing mold. A professional water damage cleaning company may be a better option to get your house water and mold free. The local building inspector may even require that you work with a professional service to ensure the removal of any mold.
If you have water damage to your home, preventing mold growth by immediately starting the water damage cleaning process is essential. Mold can sneak up quickly and is difficult to treat once it starts to grow on moist surfaces. If you notice mold in spite of your efforts, do not waste any time in calling a water damage cleaning company that can professionally treat and dry these areas!