Mold After Water Damage: How Fast and What to Do
How quickly mold can grow after water damage, how to prevent it and when mold remediation is needed.
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- Give your city and ZIP code
- Say what happened and if water is still running
- Ask the company about its license and insurance
Quick answer
Mold can begin growing on wet materials within 24 to 48 hours, per EPA guidance. The best prevention is drying everything quickly and completely.
What mold needs
Moisture, a food source such as drywall paper or wood, and time. Take away moisture and the problem stops growing.
Signs of mold
- Musty odor
- Discoloration on walls, ceilings or floors
- Peeling or bubbling paint
- Persistent damp areas
- Health complaints that improve when you leave the space
What to do
- Fix the water source
- Dry affected areas as soon as possible
- Remove materials that stayed wet, such as soaked drywall and insulation
- Avoid disturbing visible mold growth without protection
- For larger areas, call a mold remediation professional
This site focuses on water damage cleanup. If you find extensive mold, ask the company who calls you whether it also handles mold or can recommend a qualified provider.
Sources and further reading
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