Floor disinfection after flooding: A must-do for your home’s health

The damage left behind by flooding, either from natural causes or a burst pipe, can be devastating. However, in addition to the visible water damage, harmful pathogens that lurk behind after a major flooding event pose a serious threat to you and your property. This is why floor disinfection is one of the most critical post-flood cleanup steps. Keep reading to learn more about its significance.

Wet Floors Provide A Breeding Ground For Mold

• Mold growth is a common issue that arises in as little as 48 hours after water damage. Regardless of the type, mold on your floor can be a serious health hazard. Mold spores are invisible to the naked eye and float effortlessly through the air. As a result, they can contaminate any surface on which they settle. For example, they may be hidden under the carpeting or debris without you realizing their presence.

In addition, mold spores can exacerbate allergies or respiratory issues in people who come into contact with mold. Infants, children, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to infections. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly inspect all flooring surfaces and start the disinfection process after flooding.

Presence Of Infection-Causing Bacteria

• Bacteria is another risk factor that grows along with mold in areas of a house where frequent flooding occurs, such as the basement. Bacteria can reproduce, rapidly increase in number, and thrive up to four days after water damage. The presence of bacteria can lead to serious infections and illnesses. Since bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms are common spots where water damage can occur, pay particular attention to these areas.

Dark, musty, wet areas create favorable conditions for bacteria to flourish, making it necessary to prioritize floor disinfection in these areas once they have been exposed to flooding. However, not all disinfectants are equally effective in terminating these stubborn bacteria. Therefore, selecting the appropriate disinfectant is essential to ensure optimal floor disinfection and hygiene.

Allergy-Causing Dust Mites

• Dust and debris are among the biggest problems with water damage or flooding. Failure to remove the accumulated dirt can lead to potential health problems for you and your family. For instance, microscopic dust mites feed on dead skin cells of humans and inhabit the bedding areas to feed.

These can trigger asthma attacks in people with allergies or respiratory disorders. Furthermore, they can lead to dryness or inflammation around the nostrils, mouth, and throat by irritating the airways and eyes. Therefore, disinfecting dust and debris from floors after flooding is crucial to ensure the safety of the inhabitants. Doing so can minimize the risk of dust allergies and respiratory infections triggered by dust mites.

Takeaway Note

• Floor disinfection is a critical but most overlooked aspect of post-flood cleanup efforts. Whether you’ve encountered water damage in a commercial building or your home, floor disinfection is imperative to prevent the spreading of bacteria, mold, dust, and allergy-causing pathogens.

By understanding and addressing the reasons discussed, health hazards associated with contaminated floors can be effectively prevented. Therefore, prioritize thorough disinfection to restore a safe and clean environment after flooding.

Don’t wait to start the process of floor disinfection. Instead, call a professional water damage specialist after a disaster and get the help you need today. Love Your Carpet provides Flood Restoration Services for the Las Vegas Valley, whether from a burst pipe, water heater, appliance, sewage backup, or natural disaster. We offer a wide variety of water damage and flood repair services. Call us today at 702-898-6070.