Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut declared states of emergency due to the record-breaking March rainfall, and Massachusetts even mobilized 1,000 National Guard troops. Needless to say, it rained a lot. While the water tables are now receding, many formerly flooded homes are — or soon will be — riddled with mold.

Mold occurs when porous surfaces like drywall and wood continue to house fungal microbes even if they were cleaned after a flood. Mold isn’t really something you want around your home either. The Environmental Protection Agency says, "wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and mold. They can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions and continue to damage materials long after the flood."

Sounds bad, but if mold has made it’s way into your home, don’t worry. There are steps to take to get your home back to its happy and healthy self.

First, keep your home dry. The indoor relative humidity of your home should be between 30-50 percent, which you can maintain with dehumidifiers. Make sure areas of your home with high humidity or those containing water-producing appliances are well ventilated. Be sure to monitor these high-risk areas by looking for surface discoloration and being aware of an earthy, musty smell, as these are indications of mold. And, though it sounds like a no-brainer, make sure windows are shut in high moisture situations.

When you do find mold, be sure to throw out those infested materials that are inexpensive. For expensive or irreplaceable materials, one eco-friendly product that works really well to rid surfaces of mold is an EPA-certified, eco-friendly solution called Concrobium Mold Control, which eliminates and prevents mold without any harmful chemicals. Local Home Depots and Lowe’s are stocking up on the product, and if you are one of the many plagued by mold following the prolific amount of rain we have been receiving, it is the best eco-friendly option on the market.

Heed our advice and you’ll be mold free.

About The Author

Matt Schnitt is a Blast intern

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