Mold grows in wet, damp conditions and this can happen in homes after floods or water leaks. Humid areas are another prime location for mold. It is important to remove mold quickly and carefully from homes because it causes health issues and once it is present, will continue to grow faster. Kitchens and bathrooms are susceptible to mold without flooding or water leaks, and avoiding mold growth in these areas is also imperative. Mold can grow on many surfaces, including walls, clothing, carpets, and in the spaces under carpets, between walls, attics, and basements.  

Sometimes mold is visible, or residents notice a musty smell. Unfortunately, mold spores can be present without being visible to the resident, therefore, those with water damage or a flooded home should assume that mold is present in the area and begin cleaning and removing the mold.  

Negative health impacts from mold are common and are another reason it is crucial to avoid mold in homes, offices, and other locations. Common symptoms of mold allergies or sensitives include headaches, coughing, wheezing, a runny nose, watery eyes, and itching. Children and people with compromised immune systems are at a greater risk of negative health impacts from mold and long-term exposure can lead to serious health issues.  

Avoiding mold is done through preventative measures, including keeping the humidity in the home below 50 percent, using ventilation fans, and regularly cleaning the home, especially the areas susceptible to mold growth. Exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom are imperative, and a dehumidifier in the basement or other humid locations also helps reduce the risk of mold growth. 

Removing Mold in the Home 

After floods and water leaks in the home, residents should assume that there are mold spores and remove them. Cleaning should be done as quickly as possible to minimize the damage to materials that the mold can do and make the home safe for habitation again. There are contractors available licensed in mold remediation, the cost varies depending on the contractor and the extent of mold damage. Check with your homeowners or renters’ insurance company prior to cleaning, and document all damage. Those renting their home should check with the landlord on who is responsible for mold cleanup and removal.  

Residents removing mold on their own should think of their health and safety first. Anyone with asthma, allergies or related chronic respiratory conditions should not remove and clean items contaminated with mold and other contaminants carried in flood waters.  Children, and people with immune system issues may be more likely to be impacted negatively, so they should not be present during clean up.  See what is and is not covered by your insurance company and check the deductibles. Ask for references from your insurance company on contractors who are licensed to perform remediation. 

1. First, wait until floods have receded. Get in touch with your homeowners or rental insurance company. Contact your landlord. Ask about resources available in your town and in the state.  
2. Take photos and videos of the damaged property before removing anything.  
3. Protect yourself from mold spores with an N95 respirator along with gloves and goggles. These are recommended to minimize negative health impacts. Take frequent breaks in the fresh air as well. 
4. Wear protective clothing – long sleeve shirts, full length pants, boots, and a hat. It is possible to be injured so bring a first aid kit with bandages with you.  
5. Discard wet and moldy materials. Obtain a dumpster. Carpets, cardboard, fabrics, and mattresses that are wet and damaged with mold should be discarded. It is hard to clean and remediate these items and better to discard and replace them. This includes plaster walls and insulation as well. Clothing may be able to be washed and used again.  
6. Clean the home. Select products that you are not allergic to. Read labels and use cleaning and disinfecting products safely in the right measurements. Most moldy materials and items should be discarded. Glass, wood, plastic, cement, and other solid surfaces can be cleaned after a mold infestation. Use a HEPA-filter vacuum then use a cleaning agent; alcohol and hydrogen peroxide are common mold cleaning agents and may help you rescue books which may be salvaged.  
7. Ventilate the area. Next, ventilate the area using fans to push any remaining mold spores out of the home. 
8. Dry the area. It is important to thoroughly dry the area, lowering humidity levels to 30 to 50 percent. This can be done with dehumidifiers, or with a combination of an air conditioner and heater. Turn these off when you leave the home. Prevent the area from getting too cool as condensation will fuel further mold growth. 
9. Stay alert for more mold growth. Cleaning moldy areas is hard and removing all spores presents a challenge. Keep the area clean and dry and wait to move materials (furniture or other objects) back into the space until you are sure that mold growth has stopped. 

References 

Connecticut Department of Public Health. (n.d.). A healthy home is clean. Available at https://healthyhomes.media.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1344/2022/02/Healthyhome_clean_3-1-12.pdf 

Harrison, M.N., Cantrell, R.A., & Griffin, A. (2021, October 7). Keeping it clean: Controlling mildew. University of Florida IFAS. Available at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FY796. 

Reichel, C.H. (n.d.) Storm Damage cleanup highlights. LSU AgCenter. Available at https://www.lsuagcenter.com/profiles/kkramer/articles/page1471624895743.  

U.S. H.U.D. (n.d.). Everyone deserves a safe and healthy home. Healthy Homes Project; U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Available at https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/SAFEANDHEALTHYHOME.PDF 

Article by Mary Ellen Welch and Stacey Stearns

August 20, 2024