Conquering Odor After a Flood

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

After A Flood, How To Get Rid of the Odor

Many people worry about flood water damaging their Delray Beach, FL, home, but fewer people are on the lookout for mold growth after the water has dried. Mold is the development of fungi in damp, poorly lit areas, and it causes a musty odor. When a storm floods your property, mold can start to grow in just a few days, spreading its stale smell throughout your home. Once you have addressed water damage and disinfected your belongings, follow these tips for conquering mold-related odors after a flood:

1. Use White Vinegar for Furniture

Fill an old spray bottle with white vinegar. Then, spray the vinegar onto the smelly areas of any upholstered furniture you have already dried. Be careful not to spray too much, because added moisture will encourage further mold growth. When the vinegar dries, both the moldy odors and the vinegar smell should be gone.

2. Use Baking Soda for Carpets

You can’t go wrong with the naturally deodorizing properties of baking soda. Once your carpet has dried, sprinkle baking soda onto the affected areas to absorb any lingering odors and moisture. After letting it sit for hours, or even overnight, vacuum up the baking soda.

3. Keep Your Home Dry

To make sure these efforts to remove odors are worth your time, keep your home dry to prevent mold from growing again. Install dehumidifiers and electric fans, and open your windows when possible. These steps will help the air in your home circulate and stay dry.

When To Ask for Help

Sometimes, do-it-yourself tricks won’t work for moldy odors. This is normally the case if the water damage affects an area larger than 10 square feet, or if you experience sewage loss. This involves damage from black water, which has organic waste contaminants and is much more harmful to your property than clean water. When this happens, restoration professionals can address the damage in your Delray Beach, FL, home.

There are a few ways to tackle water damage, mold growth and related odors after a flood. However, address any issues promptly, as quick action now can save you time, money, and stress in the future.