Water is a powerful and complex element. It’s essential for all living things and can have a calming effect—just ask any Orlando local who lives near the ocean. But water also has a destructive side. From heavy rainstorms and hurricanes to burst pipes, it can cause serious damage to your home, and lead to the growth of mold and mildew.
While it’s not always advisable to handle mold removal yourself, there are steps you can take if the damage is minimal. Just be sure to act quickly, and don’t attempt any repairs unless you’re completely confident in your ability to manage the situation.
Stop Mold Before It Starts
Mold thrives in moist environments, so addressing leaks and water damage is crucial as soon as you spot them. Taking preventative measures now can also help keep mold from forming in the future.
Mildew and mold can begin growing within just one to two days after exposure to moisture. Your first step after any water damage should be to clean, disinfect (where possible), and thoroughly dry the affected area. The quicker you act, the better your chances of preventing mold growth and avoiding the potential health risks it poses to you and your family.
If your Orlando home has experienced a leak or flooding, look for fuzzy spots, musty smells, or discoloration on walls and surfaces, which are common signs of mold.
Dealing With Water Damage to Prevent Mold Growth
Follow these steps to minimize damage to your Orlando home, reduce repair costs, and stop mold from taking hold:
1. Find the Source
Identify where the water is coming from.
While pure water isn’t a strong conductor of electricity, the impurities and ions it contains are. This makes unexpected water in your home a potential hazard.
If a burst pipe is the culprit, shut off the main water valve, but only if it’s safe. If the damage is too extensive, don’t hesitate to call in professionals.
2. Remove Standing Water
If the affected area is smaller than 10 sq. ft and water is less than an inch deep, consider using a wet-dry vacuum to remove it yourself.
Before handling potentially contaminated water, wear boots, gloves, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, safety glasses, and a mask.
If the water is deeper or more widespread, contact an Orlando water damage restoration team. Also, check the outside of your home for groundwater or puddles near the foundation. If water seeps in, mold is highly likely to follow.
3. Remove and Dry Damp Items
Remove any water-damaged items from the area, dry and clean them thoroughly, and store them (preferably outside) until your insurance company can inspect the damage.
Leaving wet items indoors increases humidity and encourages mold growth. This is especially important for porous materials like carpeting, ceiling tiles, drywall, rugs, and wallpaper. Some items may need to be fully replaced rather than salvaged.
4. Clean All Surfaces Thoroughly
Learn how to spot mold so you can act fast. If the mold covers less than 10 sq. ft, you can typically clean it yourself.
- For hard surfaces: Mix 1.5 cups of chlorine bleach with one gallon of water. Wearing protective gear, spray the affected area, let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
- For soft surfaces: Use undiluted white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray on a thin layer and let it dry.
5. Dry Your Orlando Home Completely
Don’t just wait for the pros to arrive. You can get a head start by opening windows and doors, using fans, and setting up a dehumidifier.
Don’t forget to pay attention to musty smells as they’re often the first sign of hidden mold.
6. Install the Right Bathroom Fan
Bathrooms are mold magnets due to constant humidity and a properly sized fan can make a big difference. To check if your fan is working, run it and wait 10 minutes. Your fan may be too small if the mirror or air is still steamy.
Pro Tip: Multiply your bathroom’s square footage by 1.1 to determine the ideal CFM (cubic feet per minute). If your current fan falls short, it’s time for an upgrade.
7. Call in the Experts
Mold loves to hide behind walls, in ducts, under carpets, and even on wallpaper. If your HVAC system has been exposed to water, turn it off immediately and have it cleaned by professionals before using it again.
And if the mold problem seems beyond your control, don’t wait. A professional water damage restoration team can restore your home safely and efficiently.
Extra Mold Prevention Tips for Orlando Homes
It’s always better to be proactive. Here’s how to stop mold before it starts:
- Install Humidity Sensors: Humidity sensors monitor moisture levels in real time. Smart bath fans with built-in sensors can automatically turn on when humidity gets too high—and off when it’s back to normal.
- Use Mildewcide-Infused Paint: In high-humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens, paint with added mildewcide offers an extra layer of protection against mold.
- Take Plumbing Precautions: Planning a trip? Shut off your home’s main water valve to prevent unexpected leaks. In colder months, drain your pipes if temperatures are forecasted to drop below freezing. Also consider installing No-Burst hoses on sinks, toilets, and washing machines to prevent sudden failures.
With the right precautions and a little vigilance, you can significantly reduce the risk of mold damaging your Orlando home. However, there are experts available to help whenever you need it.