Removing mold is one of the most common cleaning tasks after flooding. When removing mold, never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. Mixing bleach with ammonia and other cleaning products will produce dangerous, toxic fumes.
To remove mold growth from hard surfaces, use commercial products, soap, and water or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of household laundry bleach in 1 gallon of water. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use (see product label). Use a stiff brush on rough surface materials such as concrete.
Clean up and dry out the building as quickly as you can. When in doubt, take it out! Remove all porous items, like carpet, drywall, and insulation material, that have been wet for more than 48 hours and that cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. These items can remain a source of mold growth and should be removed from the home.
Mold exposure can lead to asthma attacks, eye and skin irritation, and allergic reactions. It can lead to severe infections in people with weakened immune systems. People with asthma or weakened immune systems should avoid contaminated buildings and water as much as possible.
For more information about how to safely return home after a disaster, visit https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/after.html If you have other tips, share them below in the comments, and kindly repost this message to your neighbors on Nextdoor by clicking the "Share" button/arrow below and then "Repost in newsfeed."
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