Water damage is a nightmare in and of itself. But the aftermath could lead to more issues down the road if you’re not diligent. Mold and mildew infestations go hand in hand with even minor water damage – especially when the issue isn’t addressed right away.
Carpets can be particularly susceptible to mold since they can provide an ideal environment for the spores to grow. Mold thrives in dark, warm settings so carpets in your basement are even more vulnerable after water damage.
Mold and mildew are no joke. But there are ways of preventing an infestation. Here are our top recommendations to prevent carpet mold after water damage.
Tackle Excess Moisture and Water Right Away
The first step in preventing mold is patching up the leak and extracting the water. Get started immediately! Mold can start growing within 24 hours of water exposure.
There are several different methods for removing water from a home. If there’s deep standing water present, a bucket or pump will be necessary to transport it out. Wet vacuums can hold up to 20 gallons of water so only use this option if the standing water is shallow. Remember to remove the filter before using a combination wet/dry vacuum to clean up water.
Ideally, you should call a restoration company to assist you with this. If sewage or other toxic waste is leaking into your home, this is especially crucial. They can provide a comprehensive service to efficiently clean up the mess and repair the damage left behind. Some, like ourselves, work with all insurance companies.
If you’re in the Northern Colorado or Cheyenne, Wyoming area, 970 Services is here for all your water damage restoration needs. We even offer a free estimate! Don’t hesitate to get in touch and schedule an appointment with us!
Let the Area Dry Out
Once the majority of the water is extracted, your next step is to thoroughly dry the area out. It’s important to speed this part of the process up as much as possible so mold doesn’t have time to take hold. The best way to do so is to use fans and dehumidifiers to expedite the process. If the weather is mild, open a window to circulate even more air through the area. Take extra care to make sure the area is completely dry.
Replace Carpet Padding
Try as you might, it can be difficult to get every last drop of moisture out of a carpet. As we mentioned above, even the smallest amount of water damage can lead to mold. That’s why it’s important to replace the carpet padding just in case it’s holding in any excess moisture. Luckily, you can hang on to the actual carpet and simply reinstall it once the new pads are in place.
If you are concerned about recurring water damage, consider installing a water barrier pad between the carpet and the padding. Or you can even consider more water-resistant options such as laminate or tile.
Steam Clean Your Carpet
After removing and drying out your carpet, it’s advisable to steam clean it. Disinfecting the material will get rid of any lingering mold or mildew spores. There are special solvents and cleaners you can purchase that will do a good job at eliminating most of the lingering spores. This prevents any potential mold or mildew infestations once you reinstall the carpet.
Clean Furniture
Furniture can also hold lingering spores. Be sure to remove furniture from the area, dry it out properly, and thoroughly disinfect it. If a piece of furniture cannot be successfully dried and disinfected or it sustained serious water damage, you might be better off replacing it.
Increase Ventilation in Affected Areas
Once the carpet is back in place, it’s important to maintain proper airflow. If you can, open a window or use a fan to keep a proper draft going. Unfortunately, mold spores can stay airborne for an indefinite amount of time. After a water damage incident, it’s vital to do everything you can to make your home inhospitable for mold. It can’t take hold as easily in a well-ventilated area.
Use a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier can be a handy tool in preventing mold growth. They can be especially useful in less ventilated areas such as basements or bathrooms. Even after you’re done dealing with the immediate aftermath of water damage, it can be a good idea to continue using a dehumidifier in high-moisture, low-ventilation areas. Wicking away excess moisture is key in maintaining a mold-free environment.
Don’t Forget to Sanitize the Entire Room
Mold spores can spread far and wide in a room affected by water damage. They can even land on your walls and floorboards. Take the time to deep clean the entire area to assure no mold spores are left behind to prevent future infestations. Do this regularly to prevent any future mold issues.