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How to Prevent Growing Mold after Recent Water Damage

FeaturesHow to Prevent Growing Mold after Recent Water Damage

Mold is a natural and expected part of the environment, but it can quickly spread in your home or workplace if you don’t take precautions. Molds grow best in the dark, damp climates with high humidity. When mold spores land on wet surfaces such as walls and furniture, they attach themselves to the new surface and grow.


What is Mold and why is it a Problem?

Molds are fungi that grow in damp, dark areas. Mold will typically start as a light green color, then turn into other colors like black or brown that indicates different types of molds.

Molds produce allergens and mycotoxins, which can contribute to asthma, hay fever, headaches, upper respiratory infections, and sensitize individuals who are allergic to molds.

Mold spores land on wet surfaces such as walls and furniture. When they attach themselves to the new surface, they begin growing slowly. Still, they will eventually cover any surface it has access to with mold colonies so long as the moisture is available.

How to Prevent Mold from Growing After Water Damage?

There are a few things you can do to prevent mold from growing after water damage:

Dry Out the Area

Use a hairdryer or a fan to accelerate water evaporation, and wear gloves to remove any wet materials.  Don’t turn any electrical or mechanical systems on until they have been inspected and dried out by a qualified professional.

Remove All Wet Materials

Remove all wet materials in the affected area.  Any mold spores in the material will be released into the air when it is disturbed, so wear protective gear like gloves and masks while you work.

Protect the Area

Cover any material that cannot be removed with plastic sheeting or waterproof paint, then cover that with plywood to protect the area from future water damage. Ensure you have cleaned up all moldy debris before covering the affected area with plastic sheeting to protect it from future water damage.

Keep an Eye Out for Mold

Check back often and see how quickly the area is drying out, and be prepared to remove extra moisture if the problem persists. You should also look out for mold growth on materials removed from the area or brought in more recently.

Clean All Surfaces Regularly

Mold spores will continue to grow and spread as long as moisture is present in the area. Keeping all surfaces clean and dry will reduce the risk of mold developing on your furniture, floors, walls, and other materials in the home or workplace.

Tips for Prevent Future Mold

In addition to following the tips listed above, you can also take some additional precautions to prevent mold from growing in your home or workplace:

  • Install a dehumidifier in damp areas of your home or workplace.
  • Make sure all surfaces are clean and dry.
  • Keep an eye out for any water damage and repair it immediately.
  • Ventilate bathrooms and kitchens properly.
  • Avoid leaving wet clothes or towels lying around.

In Conclusion

Mold in the home is a serious issue. But if you happen to have just had water damage, mold can be an even more pressing concern and one that’s not always easy to spot early on.

If flooding or leaks from plumbing have damaged your house, then it’s essential to stay vigilant for signs of mold growth in areas where water may have seeped into porous materials like drywall, insulation, carpeting, or furniture padding.

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