How to Repair Water Damage and Remove Mold From a Flood

When a flood occurs in the home, speedy reaction is everything. The excessive moisture and humidity that builds up in the home will damage wood and fabrics and become a breeding ground for mold. Mold is fungi that spreads quickly in moist and humid areas. It is dangerous to the lungs and may cause increased allergies and asthma in children. Cleaning the home immediately will reduce the likelihood that mold will grow in the home.

Water pump or wet/dry vacuum
Fan
Pliers
Carpet disinfectant
Sponge
Bleach
Two buckets
Mop
Towels
Repirator
Gloves

Instructions

- 1
  Pump the water from the flooded area with a pool water pump, garbage pump or wet/dry vacuum. Remove as much water as possible from the area.
- 2
  Open the windows and plug in a circular fan. Turn on the fan to get the air circulating in the room. Only plug in electrical devices once you've had the electrical system in the home inspected for damage.
- 3
  Pull up any carpet from the floor by lifting at a corner. Remove the padding underneath by pulling up the staples with a pair of pliers. Discard the padding.
- 4
  Lay the carpet on an outside clothesline to air dry it.
- 5
  Spray the carpet with a carpet disinfectant and allow it to sit for the time recommended by the cleanser's manufacturer. Discard any carpet or rugs that were under water for more than 24 hours.
- 6
  Clean exposed flooring with a bucket full of one part bleach to 16 parts water using a mop. Keep another bucket of clean water to rinse the mop head. Discard the mop head after clean up.
- 7
  Wipe down the walls with a sponge dipped in diluted bleach to remove any fungal spores. Dry all surfaces with towels.

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