Cleaning Up Post-Irene Flooding

Even though residents tried to prepare for Hurricane Irene before the it hit the area this past weekend, many still experienced flooding in their homes.

Now that the storm has passed and some of the water has receded and been cleaned out of homes, the cleaning may not be done yet.

According to Mold Detection and Remediation Specialists, Inc., the key to dealing with a flood is to clean it up correctly to prevent future expenses.

Mold Detection and Remediation Specialists, Inc., which is based in Bucks County as well as New Jersey, states that the first step in dealing with a flood is to get the affected area dry fast because mold growth can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours if the area is not dried properly.

Run fans and dehumidifiers in the affected area and keep the relative humidity below 50 percent, recommends Mold Detection and Remediation Specialists, Inc.

Discard any moisture-damaged porous or semi-porous contents safely by putting them in contractor bags and taking them out of your home. Then, clean up what is left. However Mold Detection and Remediation Specialists, Inc. state that using bleach and water to clean up any visible mold growth in an affected area is a common myth.

Not only is bleach toxic, but the ingredient in bleach that is capable of killing a mold spore evaporates too quickly to do the job. Instead, Mold Detection and Remediation Specialists, Inc. suggests trying an environmentally friendly anti-microbial that can be found at stores such as or .

“You want to closely monitor the affected area after a flood. If you see any evidence of suspect growth, which can be black, white, green or brown, or experience a heavy, musty odor you should get the air quality sampled to see if abnormal conditions exist,” suggests Dan Rostelli, Owner & President of Mold Detection and Remediation Specialists, Inc.

For more information on mold inspections and indoor air quality testing, visit Mold Detection and Remediation Specialists, Inc.'s website or call 215-804-1077.