- Home
- Blog
- Water Damage Restoration
- How To Remove Mold After Water Damage
How to Remove Mold From Water Damage
Water Damage Cleanup Service | Roto-Rooter
Mold from water damage doesn’t wait around. It can grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours, posing health risks and threatening the structural integrity of your home. Acting quickly is the most effective way to prevent long-term damage and costly remediation. This guide will walk you through how to prevent mold after water damage.
Understanding Mold Growth After Water Damage
Water damage creates the perfect environment for mold — an area that’s moist, warm, and dark. Excess moisture from burst pipes, floods, or hidden leaks can trigger mold growth behind walls, under floors, and in ceiling cavities. Left unchecked, mold from a water leak can spread rapidly and lead to:
- Black mold
- Property damage
- Respiratory and health issues
Signs of Mold From Water Damage
Here are common signs of mold in your house:
- Musty or earthy odor in certain areas
- Discoloration on walls, ceilings, or floors (green, black, or white)
- Peeling or bubbling paint
- Visible mold spores or fuzzy patches
- Warped drywall or wood
- Increased allergy symptoms indoors
- Persistent moisture or water stains
How to Check for Mold in Your Home
Knowing how to test for mold in your house can save you a lot of trouble. Start with a thorough visual inspection in areas prone to moisture, including:
- Basements
- Bathrooms
- Around windows
- Under ceiling panels or floors
Use a moisture meter to identify hidden damp spots behind walls. For more accuracy, use indoor air quality testing kits or hire a professional mold inspection service if you suspect widespread growth.
Be careful — you might come across mildew instead of mold. What’s the difference between mold and mildew in a house? Mildew is generally flat with a powdery texture, whereas mold is fuzzy and raised. Neither are great to have in your home, but mold is generally more harmful.
Steps to Remove Mold From Water Damage
Wondering how can you get rid of mold in a house? If your area is under 10 square feet or so, you can try this DIY approach for mold removal after water damage. These are also good steps to take until professional help arrives.
- Wear gloves, goggles, and an N95 respirator.
- Seal the area with plastic sheeting to contain spores.
- Fix the moisture source. Repair leaks or dry the flooded area.
- Use a scrub brush with detergent or a mold removal solution.
- Apply a diluted bleach solution or a commercial anti-fungal product to disinfect the area.
- Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry the area thoroughly.
- Dispose of contaminated materials. Bag and discard porous items that can't be salvaged.
When to Call a Professional for Mold Remediation
In many cases, it’s best to contact experts in mold remediation after water damage. Professionals use specialized equipment to safely remove mold and treat the affected areas to prevent regrowth. In particular, consider calling a Roto-Rooter professional for water damage and mold cleanup if you have:
- Mold growth covering more than 10 square feet
- Mold in HVAC systems or air ducts
- Mold in porous materials like insulation or drywall
- Recurring mold issues despite cleaning
- Health symptoms linked to mold exposure
How to Prevent Mold After Water Damage
Prevention starts with moisture control. Use these tips to stop mold from making a comeback if you have a flooded basement or other water leak:
- Dry out water-damaged areas within 24-48 hours.
- Use dehumidifiers in damp spaces.
- Fix plumbing leaks promptly.
- Improve ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and crawl spaces.
- Install sump pumps or drainage systems to prevent basement flooding.
- Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent water pooling near your foundation.
- Keep an eye on basement humidity levels and use moisture barriers if needed.
FAQs About Mold Removal After Water Damage
What are the first steps to take when you discover mold from water damage?
Start by identifying and fixing the moisture source. Then, contain the area and determine whether it’s safe for DIY removal or if you need professional water damage and mold removal help.
Is it safe to remove mold yourself, or should I hire a professional?
If the affected area is small and on non-porous surfaces, it’s safe as long as you wear protective gear. For large or toxic growth (like black mold from water damage), call a professional.
What supplies do I need to remove mold caused by water damage?
You’ll need:
- Gloves
- An N95 mask
- Goggles
- Scrub brushes
- Detergent
- A mold cleaner or diluted bleach solution
- Trash bags
- Plastic sheeting
- Fans or dehumidifiers
What should I do if mold keeps coming back?
Recurring mold typically means the moisture problem wasn’t fully resolved. You’ll need to eliminate the water source and dry the area completely.
Can mold from water damage make me or my family sick?
Yes. Mold spores can cause respiratory issues and allergic reactions. It can also worsen asthma, especially for children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
How long does it take to remove mold from water damage?
Mold removal after a flood may take a day or two for small areas. Large infestations can require professional remediation that takes several days to complete.
How can I prevent mold after water damage in the future?
Dry everything thoroughly within 48 hours, fix any leaks, use dehumidifiers, and improve airflow in your home. Prevention is your best defense against future mold from water damage.
Mold Water Damage Removal You Can Trust
The best way to avoid mold growth after water damage in your home is to schedule water restoration services with a Roto-Rooter professional. The restoration team will fix the origin of the problem (if it's plumbing-related), remove standing water, take out any damaged drywall, carpeting, or flooring, and use professional equipment to dry the room completely, preventing any possibility of mold growth.
The sooner you act, the easier it is to control the spread, protect your health, and avoid major repairs. If you're unsure whether your mold issue is manageable or requires expert help, don't take chances — reach out to a Roto-Rooter professional and breathe easy, knowing your home is safe.