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Table 1: Water Damage - Cleanup and Mold Prevention |
| Guidelines for Response to Clean Water Damage within 24-48 Hours to Prevent Mold Growth* |
| 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.
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| 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.
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| Ceiling tiles |
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| Cellulose insulation |
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| Concrete or cinder block surfaces |
- Remove water with water extraction vacuum.
- Accelerate drying process with dehumidifiers, fans, and/or heaters.
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| Fiberglass insulation |
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| 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.
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Non-porous, hard surfaces
(Plastics, metals) |
- Vacuum or damp wipe with water and mild detergent and allow to dry; scrub if necessary.
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| 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.
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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.
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| Window drapes |
- Follow laundering or cleaning instructions recommended by the manufacturer.
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| 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.
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