By SDCN Editor
San Diego, CA–In the aftermath of Monday’s relentless storms that unleashed widespread flooding, affected residents now grapple not only with the aftermath of the deluge but also the looming threat of mold infestation in their damaged homes.
The risk of mold escalation heightens the longer affected materials remain damp, with mold capable of forming in as little as two to three days. Recognizing the potential health hazards posed by mold, especially to vulnerable groups such as young children, seniors, and those with existing health conditions, residents are urged to prioritize swift and effective cleanup measures.
Whether opting for professional assistance or tackling the cleanup independently, residents are advised to document the damage through photographs for insurance purposes before initiating any remediation efforts.
For those choosing the do-it-yourself route, essential tips include:
Protective Gear: Equip oneself with protective gear, including gloves, goggles, and a respirator rated N-95 or higher.
Isolation and Ventilation: Seal off mold-affected areas from the rest of the house and ensure proper ventilation.
Disposal of Moldy Items: Bag and discard mold-infested porous materials such as flooded carpeting, upholstery, fabrics, and mattresses.
Insulation Removal: Remove wet fibrous insulation, even if wallboards appear dry. Cut wall coverings above the waterline to prevent hidden moisture seepage.
Cleaning and Disinfection: Clean and disinfect non-porous materials like hard plastic, concrete, glass, metal, and solid wood using non-phosphate all-purpose cleaners. Remember, cleaning alone removes mold but does not kill it, so follow up with disinfection.
DIY Disinfectant: Prepare a disinfectant solution by mixing one cup of household bleach with one gallon of water. Avoid mixing bleach with ammonia.
Aeration: After cleaning and disinfecting, ensure thorough aeration of the building to eliminate lingering traces of mold and disinfectant.
Residents seeking comprehensive guidance on mold cleanup can find more information on Alert San Diego’s recovery page.
