10 Helpful Ways to Prevent Mold from Growing in Your Home or Business Establishments

Extensive water damage after major hurricanes and floods increases the likelihood of mold contamination in
buildings.  The recommendations assume that, in the aftermath of major hurricanes or floods, buildings wet
for more or less 48 hours will generally support visible and extensive mold growth and should be remediated,
and excessive exposure to mold-contaminated materials can cause adverse health effects in susceptible
persons regardless of the type of mold or the extent of contamination.

The most effective way to eliminate mold growth is to remove it from materials that can be cleaned and to
discard materials that cannot be cleaned or are physically damaged beyond use. Removing mold problems
requires a series of actions. The order of these actions is sometimes important but might vary on a case-by-case
basis. So here are 10 Helpful Ways to Prevent Mold from Growing in Your Home or Business Establishments
regardless of whether a problem is small and simple or large and complex:

• Take emergency action to stop water intrusion, if needed.
• Determine the extent of water damage and mold contamination.
• Clean up and dry out the building quickly. Open doors and windows and use fans or dehumidifiers to dry out the building.
• Remove all porous items that have been wet for more or less 48 hours and that cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. These items can remain a source of mold growth and should be removed from the home or building. 
• Porous items include carpeting and carpet padding, upholstery, wallpaper, drywall, ceiling tiles, insulation 
• material, some clothing, leather, paper, some wood and wood products, and food. Removal and cleaning are important because even dead mold can cause allergic reactions.
• Clean wet items and surfaces with detergent and water to prevent mold growth.
• Temporarily store damaged or discarded items outside the home or building until insurance claims can be processed.
• Plan and implement remediation activities like, if needed, establish containment and protection for workers and occupants. Eliminate or limit water or moisture sources. Decontaminate or remove damaged materials, as appropriate. Dry any wet materials, if possible. 
• When assessing or remediating mold contamination to a house, homeowners or clean-up personnel might 
• decide to repair or clean household items damaged or contaminated by flood waters. As with clothing and other textiles, make sure the water being used is safe. Use only water that is properly disinfected or that the authorities have stated is safe.
• Ensure that the HVAC system is shut down before any remedial activities.
• Ensure that laundry is washed in safe water. Use only water that is properly disinfected or that the authorities 

have stated is safe. Take the appropriate steps to make sure that the use of gas or electric appliances is safe.
Before using a washing machine that was in a flooded building, run the machine through one full cycle before
washing clothes. Use hot water and a disinfectant or sanitizer. Take clothes and linens outdoors and shake off
any dried mud or dirt before washing them. Hose off muddy items to remove all dirt before putting them in the
washer.

For small, simple problems, the entire list of tasks can be done by one person. Large, complex problems might
require professionals to do the cleaning job like ServiceMaster by Wright. For circumstances that fall between
those extremes, some combination of occupant action and professional intervention will be appropriate. In
general, no single discipline brings together all the required knowledge for successful assessment and
remediation.

Consult ServiceMaster by Wright for advice on whether heavily mold-contaminated items made of leather,
suede, or a similar material are salvageable or should be discarded. ServiceMaster by Wright  specializes in
water damage restoration and can assess the issues involved in cleaning up homes after a flood. Contractors
used for remediation should have experience in cleaning mold.  Contact us at 866-676-7761 for faster response
or visit https://www.servicemasterrestorations.com/ for more details. Serving businesses and homeowners
located in Southwest Florida and nearby Counties.