Drying after flooding / Water Damage

'how to get your property back to a healthy dry condition'

Flooding, excess moisture and pooled water can contribute to the growth of mould in your home, which may be a health risk for you and your family. When returning to your home after flooding, be aware of any visible mould or a musty smell. High mould levels are likely if the house has been flooded for more than 2 days. Before you plan your cleanup, remember that not everyone is suited to working in damp, potentially mouldy conditions. Check that family members and volunteers who offer assistance are not sensitive to mould.

Mould The key to preventing mould growth is to clean up and dry out the house as quickly as possible (within 24 to 48 hours). Mould removal efforts should focus on: Removing all sources of pooled water or excessive moisture from the home. Removing all wet or flood damaged materials or items, including wallpaper, plasterboard, carpet, rugs, bedding, mattresses, furniture, stuffed toys, clothing, and other wet or damaged materials that cannot be adequately dried or cleaned. Removing all porous (ie. soft or absorbent) materials with mould growth. Temporarily storing damaged or discarded items outside the home (in a safe, clean, dry place such as a shed or garage) until your insurance claim is processed. Cleaning and disinfecting all affected surfaces inside the house, including floors, walls, the kitchen, bathroom and laundry. Allowing the house to dry throughout by airing or active drying (eg. fans or dehumidifiers). If mouldy materials and items are not removed or properly cleaned, high levels of airborne mould spores may be a health risk for mould-sensitive family members when they move back into the house.
Who may be sensitive to moulds? The following people should avoid being present during post-flood cleaning or repair works: Children (under 12 years, particularly infants) Pregnant women People over 65 years Those with weakened immune systems; allergies; severe asthma; chronic, obstructive, or allergic lung diseases.
Do I need to test for moulds? No. It is better to assume that the building’s interior is contaminated with moulds when: It has been flooded for more than 2 days. Visible mould growth is extensive (more than before the flood). Visible water damage is present or mildew odours are strong.
What should I wear to protect myself from mould? 1. Just visiting If you are visiting your house to collect belongings, visually inspect for damage or to do basic cleanup over short periods: Wear sturdy footwear, and rubber or leather gloves. It is preferable that footwear is waterproof and has rubber soles. It is not usually necessary to wear a respirator unless you are sensitive to mould. 2. Cleaning up mould If you plan to be inside the house for a while, or you intend to clean up mouldy areas, also wear a shower cap, goggles and a particulate respirator to prevent breathing in mould spores. If you are asthmatic and intend to do the clean up work, keep your asthma medication with you at all times. If you show any signs of an asthma attack, seek immediate medical treatment.
Removing mould Step 1 - clean In many cases household cleaning products can do the job if used correctly. Best of all is vinegar ……….. Tackle one room at a time. A two-bucket approach is most efficient: use one bucket for rinse water and the other for the cleaner. Rinse out your sponge, mop, or cleaning cloth in the rinse bucket. Wring it as dry as possible and keep it rolled up tight as you put it in the cleaner bucket. Using two buckets keeps most of the dirty rinse water out of your cleaning solution. Replace the rinse water frequently. Apply cleaner and give it time to work before you mop or sponge it up. After cleaning a room or item, go over it again with a disinfectant to kill the germs and remove the smell left by floodwaters. If the cleaner you are using does not remove the mould, try a solution of 1.5 cups of household chlorine bleach in 10 Litres of water (the volume of a household bucket). Step 2 Disinfect Disinfect surfaces with a disinfectant product. Alternatively, use: 0.5 cups of household chlorine bleach in 10 Litres of water (the volume of a household bucket).
Drying out the House When returning to your home after a flood, open doors and windows to let the house air out for as long as possible. Once reliable, safe power is restored use fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the house. Air conditioning or central heating should not be used unless they are undamaged and uncontaminated by the floodwaters. If you suspect contamination with mould or floodwaters, do not use until these systems have been cleaned and checked by a qualified person. If all of this seems too hard – there is an easier option: Close the doors, sprinkle some mushroom spores, come back in 2 weeks and you’ll have your very own mushroom farm! For our selection of the best dehumidifiers for the job see our flood recommendations page.
For further information If you or anyone in your family feels unwell, seek medical advice from your local doctor. To talk to someone about the advice in this fact sheet contact the Environmental Health Unit of the Department of Human Services on 1300 761 874 or view Environmental Health Unit webpage (Published by Department of Human Services, Environmental Health Unit Issue date: June 2007)