How to Prevent Mold After Water Damage in Eight Ways

Did your home recently suffer a major water damage event? Hire a professional from Steam Smart Pro to perform mold prevention and water damage restoration on the affected area.

Extreme weather, sewage issues, and leaks can flood your home with water. Even after you dry the areas exposed to water, though, other problems can begin.

Many homes that endure water exposure can quickly develop a mold problem. Since mold can cause a lingering musty smell, structural damage, and health hazards, learning how to prevent mold after water damage is essential.

Call our professionals at Steam Smart Pro for water damage restoration in Tucson. Our experts use the best tools and techniques to fight mold growth within your home after a water damage event. Mitigate the risks of mold growth by calling our professionals immediately after water exposure in your home.

Risks of Mold

Many homeowners don’t realize the risks mold poses to their homes and family. Mold results from spores and bacteria in the air, thriving in humid environments offering ideal conditions. These conditions include temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, humidity levels greater than 80%, abundant bacteria, oxygen exposure, and enough time for growth.

Some of the main risks of mold growth include:

• Respiratory problems
• Sneezing, coughing, and head colds
• Structural damage to your home
• Lingering rotten and musty smells
• Aesthetic degradation to your property
• Permanent damage to drywall, carpeting, and floors

Signs of Mold Growth

Even after clearing water from your home, mold can still grow. In Arizona, strong sun and high temperatures can quickly turn standing water into humidity in the air. 

Learning the signs that your home is suffering mold growth prevents problems from developing further. These signs can include:

• Strange spots on your clothes
• Lingering odors throughout your home
• Strange smells while using your HVAC system
• Peeling wallpaper
• Grout discoloration on tiled surfaces
• Feeling increasingly itchy
• Respiratory issues and increasing sickness
• Discolorations on walls or ceilings
• Headaches 
• Sudden fatigue
• Worsening allergies

Eight Ways to Prevent Mold Growth After Water Damage

While dealing with water damage, mold prevention efforts protect your home from further issues. Use these eight strategies to learn how to prevent mold after water damage.

1. Drain Water Immediately

Removing standing water from your property as quickly as possible gives you the best chance at avoiding mold growth. While it’s possible to remove water manually with a bucket, this technique might be tiring and take too long.

Purchase or rent a wet-dry vacuum to expedite the water removal process. These machines can expel five to ten gallons of water per minute, limiting the damage water can do before removal.

2. Lay Towels on Floors and Furniture for Additional Water Removal

After removing standing water, lay towels on your exposed floors and furniture. Over time, towels can absorb some of the excess water remaining in your home. Nevertheless, you might still need to call professionals for additional restoration services or replace certain furniture pieces after towel drying.

3. Clean More Highly Contaminated Areas First

When water invades your home, it can do so with varying degrees of contamination. Water that appears clear doesn’t contain too much bacteria or grime. However, gray and black water signifies significant contamination and high concentrations of bacteria, posing the greatest threat to your home.

While addressing water damage, start with the most highly contaminated areas first. Removing black and gray water quickly limits the chances of mold growth.

4. Remove Overly Wet Carpeting, Flooring, and Drywall

Despite water removal and drying efforts, you may not be able to salvage certain parts of your home. Sections of carpeting, flooring, and drywall may be in such a state of disrepair that they require removal. Always call professionals for these jobs, as amateur removal can damage your home further.

5. Place Fans and Dehumidifiers in Your Home

While trying to limit mold growth after water damage, humidity is the enemy. Place dehumidifiers and fans in all the affected areas of your home to augment water removal. Returning your home humidity levels below 60% significantly decreases the chances that mold invades your home interiors.

6. Apply Cleaning Agents on Previously Wet Surfaces

Mold prevention involves both water removal and sterilization processes. Bacteria, grime, and other contaminants provide the “food” for mold to thrive on home surfaces.

Ensure you use the appropriate cleaning agents for flooring, walls, and furniture. While baking soda or other home solutions might be appropriate for minor water exposure, use specific cleaning agents for more significant damage. Avoid cleaning solutions that use bleach and acids, as they could damage home surfaces.

7. Discard and Replace Severely Damaged Belongings

Hopefully, water damage restoration processes should protect your home’s structure and personal belongings from severe damage. However, you may have to remove certain items from your home. 

Keeping overly damaged or damp furniture can cause mold growth over time. If any of your fabric couches, cushions, or chairs turn a light yellow or brown color, you may need to discard them. Moisture and humidity from these items can reignite mold growth throughout other home surfaces, even after restoration.

8. Keep an Eye Out for Mold Growth

Even successful water damage restoration efforts may not mean you’re out of the woods for mold growth. Stay vigilant after professionals leave your home for signs that mold is still growing. 

Additionally, you should call for an inspection a few weeks after water restoration to ensure a thorough job. This buffer allows time for signs and symptoms of any unresolved issues to show.

Call Steam Smart Pro Professionals For Water Damage Restoration

Significant water damage in your home can put your property at risk for developing various types of mold growth. The best way to avoid significant issues from mold growth after water damage is to call professionals for cleaning services. Our Steam Smart Pro experts can remove standing water and perform water restoration services to prevent mold growth.

For more information on how to prevent mold after water damage in Tucson, AZ, call (520) 416-4308 and request a free quote from Steam Smart Pro.

Author Bio:

Eric Bullard

The owner of Steam Smart Pro in Tucson, AZ, brings over 20 years of invaluable experience in the field of carpet, tile, and air duct cleaning. With a strong dedication to quality and a deep understanding of effective cleaning techniques, Eric consistently delivers outstanding results to his satisfied residential and commercial clients.