Mold After Water Damage: What to Do in the First 48 Hours
Mold after water damage can start within 48 hours. Learn the steps to prevent mold after a leak or flood and when to call emergency water damage restoration in Illinois. (833) 659-0928.
Mold can begin growing 24 to 48 hours after water damage. The steps you take in the first two days decide whether you have a simple drying job or a full mold remediation project.
Hour 0 to 2: stop and secure
- Shut off the water supply if a pipe or appliance is the source.
- Turn off power to wet areas at the breaker.
- Move furniture, rugs and electronics out of the water.
- Photograph everything for insurance.
Hour 2 to 24: remove water and start drying
Household fans and a shop vac cannot dry drywall, subfloor and insulation. Professional water damage restoration uses extraction equipment, air movers and commercial dehumidifiers with moisture meters to verify progress.
Hour 24 to 48: the mold window
If materials are still wet at this point, assume mold is beginning. Porous materials such as drywall, carpet pad and insulation that stayed saturated should be removed rather than dried. An antimicrobial treatment on framing and subfloor prevents growth while drying finishes.
After 48 hours
If water sat for more than two days, book mold testing or go directly to mold removal after water damage. Flooded basement cleanup in particular almost always needs mold prevention built in. See flood and basement cleanup.
Need help now? Call (833) 659-0928 for 24/7 mold, water and fire damage restoration anywhere in Illinois, or find your city.