Flooded basements are every homeowner’s worst problem. During the rainy season, there is a chance of heavy rains and severe flooding. Water pours into the basement through the house windows and walls. Because of this, water gathers in the basement, leading to various issues.

Mold development is one of the most common issues following basement flooding. It not only makes the place look and smell dirty, but it also poses a significant health risk. To keep mold at bay, you must take action within 24 to 48 hours and use the methods laid out below.

What’s the best approach to prevent mold after flooding?

Mold can only be prevented from thriving by thoroughly drying out the affected area as soon as possible. To do this, here are some steps you can take to keep your basement mold-free after a flood:

Examine Each Room

The initial step is to assess how harmful the mold issue is on your property. Even if the flooding was contained in the basement alone, it is best to inspect each room for any indications of mold buildup. Mold spreads quickly. Therefore, you should check each space carefully to minimize the risk as soon as possible.

Quickly Dry Wet Items

Mold grows in wet and humid environments. So, you should eliminate this setting immediately to prevent further mold growth. Dry all the wet things in the basement using dehumidifiers, air conditioners, or fans to speed up the process. If there is no electrical power, a generator can run the dehumidifier. Don’t let anything sit in the water, as that will only worsen the problem. Meanwhile, you can seek professional help to learn more about how to quickly dry your personal belongings and remove excess water in your flooded basement.

Remove Wet Carpets

Do you have a carpet installed in your basement? If so, the carpets must be completely soaked by the water, and you need to get rid of the soggy carpeting quickly. If you don’t pick them up, the mold will definitely spread out under the rug and become tough to remove. As a result, you must remove wet carpets and have them dried immediately. If the carpets can be used again, they should be professionally cleaned and disinfected before being put back in place.

Clean Up All Affected Areas

It is a high priority to clean the affected areas to make sure that any contaminants and bacteria will be eliminated from the surrounding environment. That being said, removing the drywall and other parts of the home is often necessary. If water enters the walls and under the structural framework, it needs to be cleaned and dried out properly to prevent mold development.

Sanitize All Surfaces

After removing all excess moisture, you must clean and disinfect all sources. You can buy over-the-counter cleaning solutions to eliminate bacteria and the possibility of mold. If you follow these steps, mold growth can be prevented. Unfortunately, preventive measures do not always work, so if you detect any signs of mold growth despite doing something about it, you should consult with an expert right away.

Get Professional Help

If you feel you can not do all these tasks alone, you can always get professional assistance from emergency damage restoration companies. After a basement flooding or any other water leak, you may hire them to assist you in cleaning up and restoring your home quickly. The experts have worked with flooded basements and mold development for decades and know how to solve these issues effectively.