You may not know it, but mold can be dangerous. It is water-soluble and can cause respiratory problems, allergies, and other health issues. Some people are so sensitive to mold that they have asthma attacks simply from breathing in the spores of this type of fungus. If you have been affected by water damage or if your home has been affected by mold or mildew growth, here are some tips on how to clean up after such an incident:
Mold is dangerous.
Mold is a fungus that grows on organic matter. It can be found in many places, including your home, school, and office buildings. Mold spores are everywhere, and they grow in warm and moist environments such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
Mold can cause health problems. The spores of mold can cause allergic reactions and respiratory infections. Molds also release toxins into the air, contributing to lung diseases such as asthma attacks and other symptoms like wheezing or coughing.
Mold can also damage wooden structures like floors and walls by causing discoloration. This damage could lead to structural weakness in these areas if left untreated for too long (making them more prone to collapse).
Dry out the items as quickly as possible.
- Use fans to dry out the items as quickly as possible.
- Check for mold on wet surfaces and allow them to dry completely before cleaning them. If you can’t get an area completely dry, replace it with a new piece of material (or at least cover it with plastic bags). It is best not to use old towels or rags because they can trap moisture and lead to mold growth later.
Remove wet insulation.
- Remove wet insulation from walls and ceilings. If water damage has penetrated your walls, remove the wet insulation to get at the mold. This can be done with a HEPA filter or a damp/dry shop vacuum (if you are working on drywall). Wear protective clothing and gloves when handling the insulation; don’t let it touch your skin!
- Dispose of damp material in sealed bags where no one will contact it.
Call a water damage company to assess the damage and dry out your home.
Once you have assessed the extent of your damage, it is time to call the water damage repair service in Overland Park. The best thing you can do is hire a restoration company with experience in dealing with water damage and mold.
These companies can provide an accurate estimate of how much it will cost to repair your home and how long it will take them to do so. Suppose there are areas they won’t be able to reach easily (like an attic). In that case, they will inform you exactly what needs addressing before proceeding further down this path.
Remove excess moisture from the carpet and drywall.
If you have any carpet or drywall to remove, you should first remove excess moisture from it. If you don’t have a dehumidifier, use towels to soak up any excess water. This will help prevent mold from growing in your home by removing moisture collected on top of everything while it dries out.
If you have a dehumidifier, turn it on full blast and let it run for 24 hours before turning it off (this allows all of its filters to be cleaned). Then turn it back on after 24 hours and leave it running until all its filters are cleaned again!
Clean moldy walls and floors with bleach or similar disinfectant.
If you have moldy areas, such as walls or flooring, use bleach or another disinfectant to clean them. Use a sponge or cloth to apply the disinfectant, and ensure you wear protective gear. Avoid breathing in the fumes by keeping them well-ventilated; this will help prevent respiratory problems from arising later.
Make your home livable again in no time!
The tips above are certainly only some ways to handle water damage, but they will get you started. Be sure to give your handy work time to dry before removing mold and mildew. That way, you will only end up with a bigger mess on your hand than the one you already had. Follow these tips, and you can clean up a flooded room and make it livable again in no time!
