If your property experiences a flood, any wet carpet may be at risk for growing mold. It doesn’t take very much water for mold to grow and cause a lot of harm. Mold exposure can promote plenty of health issues, including nose, eyes, throat, and lung irritation. Breathing in mold can also trigger severe symptoms in people with hay fever, allergies, or asthma. Fortunately, mold growth can be prevented in your carpet. The key to mold prevention in carpets is cleaning up water damage as soon as possible. A 360 Cleaning recommends the following tips for keeping carpet from growing mold.
Remove Water as Soon as Possible
After flooding, use a wet/dry vacuum to clean up as much water as possible. A 360 Cleaning always uses the best high-powered vacuums for carpet cleanup.
Use Fans to Dry Carpets More Quickly
Next, you will have to dry the previously flooded area. It can take several days for powerful fans to dry a water-damaged carpet completely. However, fans help circulate fresh air, which discourages mold. High-power drying fans are recommended and should run all day for the best effectiveness.
Use a Dehumidifier When Drying
A dehumidifier will next help remove excess moisture from the flooded area. A dehumidifier will help the air feel drier, limiting the potential for mold and mildew growth in the carpet. Any machines that help dry out the room’s air will speed up the drying time for your floors.
Steam Clean Carpet
To help return your carpet to its formerly clean condition, steam the carpet to sanitize and deodorize the flooring correctly. Additionally, water-damaged carpet padding must often be replaced. However, replacing the padding is less expensive than needing to re-carpet your entire property.
Sanitize the Walls and Baseboards
Anything touched by floodwater should be sanitized. This includes all walls, hard-surface floors, or other nearby surfaces. These spots can be cleaned by using soap and water and a solution of 1.5 cups of chlorine bleach to a whole gallon of water. It is important to wear rubber gloves while scrubbing and cleaning.
Look for All Water Damage
Of course, your carpet and flooring are not the only elements of your property that can be affected by flooding. Inspect your furniture in the area for water damage, and remove the furniture from wet flooring. Water damage can be hidden underneath rugs or carpets, so be sure to give your space a thorough inspection before reinstating the carpet or furniture.
It’s a tedious ordeal to clean up a floor after a flood. However, taking these measures to prevent mold growth is essential for avoiding the harmful and unsightly development of mildew in your carpet and walls.
Commercial Cleaning Services from A 360 Cleaning
A 360 Cleaning has provided Maryland with top-notch professional cleaning and janitorial services for over 12 years. We don’t cut corners and ensure that every customer is satisfied with their cleaning. Whether you need a glitter spill cleaned up or an entire office building, we are happy to help! We currently serve the following areas: Baltimore, Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park. To explore how we can help keep your facility clean all year long, give us a call at 410-852-5800 or visit us online. For more cleaning tips, follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Tags: carpet, carpet cleaning, carpet stains, flooding, floor care, mold