Mold Remediation

 

Table 1: Water Damage – Cleanup and Mold Prevention

 

Table 1 presents strategies to respond to water
damage within 24-48 hours. These guidelines are designed to help avoid the need
for remediation of mold growth by taking quick action before growth starts. If
mold growth is found on the materials listed in Table 1, refer to Table 2
for guidance on remediation. Depending on the size of the area involved and
resources available, professional assistance may be needed to dry an area
quickly and thoroughly.

 

An Adobe Acrobat PDF version of this table is available
here (PDF, 1
page, 209 K, about PDF)

 

Go to Table 2
| Go back to Investigating, Evaluating,
and Remediating Moisture and Mold Problems

 

Water-Damaged Material †	Actions
Books and papers	For non-valuable items, discard books and papers. Photocopy valuable/important items, discard originals. Freeze (in frost-free freezer or meat locker) or freeze-dry.
Carpet and backing – dry within 24-48 hours §	Remove water with water extraction vacuum. Reduce ambient humidity levels with dehumidifier. Accelerate drying process with fans.
Ceiling tiles	Discard and replace.
Cellulose insulation	Discard and replace.
Concrete or cinder block surfaces	Remove water with water extraction vacuum. Accelerate drying process with dehumidifiers, fans, and/or heaters.
Fiberglass insulation	Discard and replace.
Hard surface, porous flooring § (Linoleum, ceramic tile, vinyl)	Vacuum or damp wipe with water and mild detergent and allow to dry; scrub if necessary. Check to make sure underflooring is dry; dry underflooring if necessary.
Non-porous, hard surfaces (Plastics, metals)	Vacuum or damp wipe with water and mild detergent and allow to dry; scrub if necessary.
Upholstered furniture	Remove water with water extraction vacuum. Accelerate drying process with dehumidifiers, fans, and/or heaters. May be difficult to completely dry within 48 hours. If the piece is valuable, you may wish to consult a restoration/water damage professional who specializes in furniture.
Wallboard (Drywall and gypsum board)	May be dried in place if there is no obvious swelling and the seams are intact. If not, remove, discard, and replace. Ventilate the wall cavity, if possible.
Window drapes	Follow laundering or cleaning instructions recommended by the manufacturer.
Wood surfaces	Remove moisture immediately and use dehumidifiers, gentle heat, and fans for drying. (Use caution when applying heat to hardwood floors.) Treated or finished wood surfaces may be cleaned with mild detergent and clean water and allowed to dry. Wet paneling should be pried away from wall for drying.

 

* If mold growth has occurred or materials have
been wet for more than 48 hours, consult Table 2 guidelines. Even if materials
are dried within 48 hours, mold growth may have occurred. Items may be tested by
professionals if there is doubt. Note that mold growth will not always occur
after 48 hours; this is only a guideline.

 

These guidelines are for damage caused by clean water. If
you know or suspect that the water source is contaminated with sewage, or
chemical or biological pollutants, then Personal Protective Equipment and
containment are required by OSHA. An experienced professional should be
consulted if you and/or your remediators do not have expertise remediating in
contaminated water situations. Do not use fans before determining that the water
is clean or sanitary.

 

† If a particular item(s) has high
monetary or sentimental value, you may wish to consult a restoration/water
damage specialist.

 

§ The subfloor under the carpet or
other flooring material must also be cleaned and dried. See the appropriate
section of this table for recommended actions depending on the composition of
the subfloor.

 

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