3 Ways to Beat Mold After a Flood

Floods can cause more than just water damage; mold and bacteria thrive in damp, stagnant areas. PuroClean professionals specialize in mold remediation and removal services to ensure the safety and well-being of your family and your home.  Call PuroClean today for professional cleaning and sanitization by calling (704) 644-8686 or visit their website here.

Here are three things you can do to avoid mold becoming a hazard to you after a flood:

1. Determine Which Items Can Be Saved or Tossed

After a flood, many household items that have been damaged by water can be a hazardous breeding ground for mold. Items that should be thrown away if they look or smell moldy are clothing, furniture, papers and books, food (even canned goods), and electric appliances that have fans such as A/C window units.

Items that can be salvaged from floodwater are photographs and paper materials with minimal mold, wooden items and furniture, clothing with no visible damage and no unusual smells, and non-porous materials like dinnerware and jewelry. It is important to clean undamaged items and allow them to dry thoroughly.

2. Wear Protective Clothing

If you need to be inside of a home or other building that has been flooded, even if you are cleaning the area, take proper precautions to avoid getting sick. Wearing a N95 respirator, which can be purchased at your local hardware store, will protect you from inhaling toxic mold spores that can cause respiratory problems. Wearing durable work boots and puncture-resistant rubber gloves will protect hands and feet from damp or sharp materials when cleaning a flooded area.

3. Don’t Risk DIY—Call a Professional

Because mold isn’t the only hazard after a flood, a professional may need to help you in cleaning a home or facility that has been affected by floodwater. If sewage has seeped into the area, there is a risk of spreading bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal and skin infections.

If there are still large amounts of standing water in the home or building, there may be a risk of electrical danger. Calling a professional like Puroclean of South Charlotte will ensure that the proper precautions are taken so that homeowners stay safe and damage is kept to a minimum.

Make sure safety is priority and extensive flood damage is not overlooked. Call Puroclean today at (704)644-8686 to avoid mold and bacteria hazards.