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How to Deal with Mold After a Flood

Updated: Jul 31

Was your home flooded? If so, and you were not able to dry your home (including furniture and other items) within 24-48 hours, you should assume you have mold growth. Mold thrives in moist environments, making post-hurricane conditions ideal for its growth.


Mold can cause significant health issues, including respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and skin irritation. Therefore, addressing mold quickly and effectively is vital. While there are numerous suggestions on the internet about what kills mold 100%, not all of them are accurate or safe.




Graphic derived from EPA Flood Clean-up Graphic


Steps to Take After Water Damage

1. Assess the Damage:

  • You may see or smell mold on clothing, drywall or furniture, and it may be hidden under or behind items like flooring, appliances or walls.

  • Inspect your property thoroughly for signs of mold. Look for discoloration, musty odors, and visible mold growth.

  • Pay close attention to areas that were submerged or exposed to water, such as basements, attics, and walls.

  • Take photos of damage for insurance purposes before you clean.


2. Dry Out the Area:

  • Open all doors and windows when you are working and leave as many open as is safe when you leave.

  • Open inside doors, especially closets and interior rooms, to let air flow to all areas.

  • Open kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanity doors; remove drawers, wipe them clean, and stack them to dry.

  • Use dehumidifiers and fans to dry out the affected areas as quickly as possible.

  • Remove standing water and wet materials. Use a wet vacuum to remove water from floors, carpets, and hard surfaces. Dry your home and everything in it as quickly as you can – within 24 to 48 hours if you can.

  • Remove any water-damaged materials like carpets, drywall, and insulation to prevent further mold growth.


3. Clean and Disinfect:

  • Children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems or chronic breathing problems like asthma, should not take part in flood cleanup.

  • Protective Measures: When dealing with mold, always wear protective equipment, including gloves, masks, and goggles, to avoid exposure to mold spores.

  • For mold on hard surfaces or small areas of mold (less than one square foot), you can safely try to remove it yourself using soap and water, vinegar or a store-bought fungicide. Avoid using bleach, as it doesn’t penetrate deeply enough to eliminate mold at its roots, especially on porous materials like drywall and wood.


4. After You Leave a Mold Site:

  • Protect yourself and loved ones. Shower and change your clothes. This will help you avoid carrying mold and other hazards back to your current living quarters.


5. When to Call in a Professional:

  • If mold covers more than one square foot

  • If mold keeps returning despite your cleaning efforts, it’s time to call a professional. Larger infestations typically indicate deeper root penetration that requires professional treatment. It may be best to get help from experienced and qualified professionals if you can.

  • Here’s why we would like you to consider the professionals at Fantail Services and The KLEAN anti-microbial product:





Why Choose Fantail Services and The KLEAN product with professional application to help you combat mold?

For extensive mold growth or contamination, it’s best to seek professional help. Here’s why we would like you to consider the professionals at Fantail Services:


  • Expertise and Safety: Mold cleanup can be hazardous. Our professionals use the right protective gear and follow safety protocols to ensure effective remediation without risking health.

  • Proven Success: After Hurricane Harvey, KLEAN was used in over 100 residential and commercial structures for mold treatment. Impressively, all treated structures passed their mold clearance tests on the first attempt, earning a Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation (CMDR). No second treatment was necessary in any case.

  • High Safety Standards: Post-Harvey floodwaters were contaminated by sewage, posing severe health risks. KLEAN treated homes exposed to these conditions, achieving an ATP rating of 3 in areas near sewage exposure. For perspective, surgical rooms must have an ATP rating of 10 or less, underscoring KLEAN's efficacy in creating safe environments.

  • Professional Application: Our team ensures the proper application of KLEAN, maximizing its effectiveness and ensuring your home or business remains safe and healthy.


Let's Connect.

Our experts are ready to help you tackle mold problems safely and effectively. Contact us today and a member of our team will be in touch to discuss how KLEAN can help you protect what matters most.


Call our office at +1 210.998.5799 or John Minyard at 859. 410.1933 to discuss how we can ensure your property is mold-free and safe!


Or send us an email to discuss how Fantail Services can help you protect what matters most. info@fantailservices.com






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