Reducing the Risk of Carpet Mold After Water Damage

If you have recently suffered from flooding or storms, or experienced leakage from a broken pipe, your home may be at risk of mold growth. Even a small amount of water can provide ideal conditions for mold to grow. Mold and mildew can spread rapidly, particularly in warm, dark, moist spaces. Mold is not always easily visible. You may need to contract carpet cleaning services in Tampa to ensure that your carpet is mold-free. Meanwhile, there are a number of further steps you can take to protect your carpet from mold.

Dry Out the Space as Quickly as Possible

The first step you should take is to remove as much of the water as you can. Thoroughly vacuum the affected rooms, using a wet/dry vacuum. You can hire wet/dry vacuums from companies specializing in water and smoke damage remediation. Use powerful fans to help dry out the area completely. You will probably need to leave the fans running constantly for at least a week. If you don’t have suitable fans, your local home improvement center may have fans for rent. Use a dehumidifier to remove further moisture.

Steam Carpets and Sanitize Furniture

All carpets should be thoroughly steam cleaned. You may need to replace the carpet padding. You should also clean any walls, furniture, floors, baseboards, and other surfaces which may have come into contact with water from flooding or sewers. Wash them with warm, soapy water. Then, wear rubber gloves to protect your hands, and use a mixture of bleach and water to disinfect them.

Check for Hidden Damage

Carefully inspect your entire house, to ensure that there has been no damage to carpeting, drapes, or furniture. Remember to remove carpets and rugs and check underneath. If a spring or summer storm may have left your house contaminated by mud, silt, or sewage, consult a professional mold restoration service provider. Ask the provider to assess the damage and recommend a course of action.