How to Clean up Mold From Flood Water Damage

Rivers, streams and waterways can begin to flood during periods of heavy rain. These waters can quickly rise and fill your home with floodwater. Floodwater will cause major damage to both the inside and outside of your home. Cleanup involves dealing with the water damage while combating mold and mildew. Mold and its spores can deteriorate your property while filling your home with a musty odor. It's best to remove the mold as soon as possible to prevent possible health risks.

• 1

  Wear a pair or rubber gloves, safety goggles without vent holes and an N-95 respirator during the mold removal process. These items will protect you from the mold and its spores.

• 2

  Open as many doors and windows as possible to provide the area with proper air circulation.

• 3

  Remove excess floodwater with a wet/dry vacuum.

• 4

  Discard unsalvageable items damaged by water or mold. Items such as papers, boxes and cardboard cannot be saved. Place these items in garbage bags.

• 5

  Fill a bucket with 1 gallon of water. Add a cup of bleach and mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon.

• 6

  Submerge a sponge in the mixture. Wash hard surfaces such as walls, paneling, wood and countertops with the sponge. Allow the mixture to sit on the surface for 10 minutes. Rinse the surface clean with a damp cloth. Wipe dry with a towel.

• 7

  Brush surface mold off clothing. Perform this step outside to reduce contaminating the inside of your home with more mold spores. Launder the clothing in warm water with the appropriate amount of laundry detergent and 1 cup of white vinegar.

• 8

  Fill a clean bucket with 1 tbsp. of powdered laundry detergent and 8 cups of water. Use a whisk to mix the contents together to create foam. Saturate a scrub brush in the mixture and scrub molded carpet and upholstery. Dampen a cloth in cool water. Blot the carpet and furniture with the cloth to rinse the carpet and upholstery. Pat them dry with a towel.

• 9

  Run fans to help dry your home. Run a dehumidifier to remove moisture in the air and reduce the amount of mold spores.