http://www.greenlivingonline.com/HomeGarden/after-the-flood/
(Apr 29, 2008)
La Niña has brought record snow and rain fall throughout North America. Spring flooding is going to be a problem in many communities. What’s the safest way to clean up after a flood in your home? 
Homeowner’s checklist
The key is to start cleaning immediately since mould will start to develop within 48 hours of flooding. Before you do anything, put on a pair of rubber boots and shut off the electricity in the flooded area. After the power is turned off, be sure to pick up any extensions cords or electronic goods. Contact your insurance agent immediately and register with your municipality for any helpful resources (including financial assistance).
Plan of action
Whether you hire a company or do it yourself, follow these suggestions from the Canadian Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC):Remove all water, mud and other debris using pumps or pails and then use a wet/dry shop vacuum. Bag, tag and discard anything that has been wet for several days or contaminated by sewage. This means soaked and dirty materials, wet insulation, drywall, furniture, appliances, clothing and bedding. Work from the top down. Break out all ceilings and walls that have been soaked or that have absorbed water. Remove materials at least 500 mm (20 in) above the high-water line. If only a few days have passed you can get away with removing just the lower part of the wall. Any gypsum board that stood in water any length of time will have to be taken out and thrown away. Ceiling tiles and panelling should be treated the same way. Wash off any dirt sticking to walls and furnishings. Flooring deeply penetrated by flood water or sewage should be ripped up and discarded. Use an unscented detergent and water to wash off the dirt. A spray of 56 grams (two ounces) of borax and one quarter litre (one cup) of white vinegar 56 grams (two ounces) can also be used. Surfaces that are dry or not directly affected by the flood water should be vacuumed with a HEPA vacuum cleaner. Surface mould on wood can be removed with a vacuum-sander but you have to also vacuum. Mouldy wood, even after sanding, should be replaced. After cleaning, dry out the basement by opening windows. Hasten the process with fans and a dehumidifier. Rapid drying is important to prevent mould growth. Trust your eyes and nose
Mould is not just an unsightly problem. It produces mycotoxins, a toxic substance that can cause health problems such as cold or flu-like symptoms, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, skin rashes, asthma, fatigue and headaches.
How will you know if you have mould? If you smell something musty or see patches of discoloration with staining or fuzzy growth, you probably have mould. Expensive mould testing doesn’t always need to be done. The Minnesota Health Department advises: "If you see or smell mould, you don’t need to test for it; clean it up instead."
Stay away from bleach
Our first instinct to bring out the chlorine to disinfect and kill mould. But a study conducted by Professor Jeffrey Morrell, Dept. of Wood Science, Oregon State University found that bleach "doesn’t eliminate the surface micro flora." It doesn’t kill the roots of the mould, only bleaches it so we think it’s been cleaned away, when it hasn't. So not only is it ineffectual, its fumes are harmful to both humans and the environment.
Alternatives
A mixture of 56 grams (two ounces) of borax and one quarter litre (one cup) of white vinegar can be sprayed on the mould. Leave it sit for up to 60 minutes and then wipe the area. The mixture will prevent mould from growing back.
There are also several new products out on the market that are natural mould suppressants. Concrobium is a non-toxic anti-mould product available at The Home Depot that is quite effective.
Liam McCann is a Toronto writer grateful for his dry basement
After the flood
Image: istockphoto.com/Gene Krebs
Homeowner’s checklist
The key is to start cleaning immediately since mould will start to develop within 48 hours of flooding. Before you do anything, put on a pair of rubber boots and shut off the electricity in the flooded area. After the power is turned off, be sure to pick up any extensions cords or electronic goods. Contact your insurance agent immediately and register with your municipality for any helpful resources (including financial assistance).
Plan of action
Whether you hire a company or do it yourself, follow these suggestions from the Canadian Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC):
Mould is not just an unsightly problem. It produces mycotoxins, a toxic substance that can cause health problems such as cold or flu-like symptoms, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, skin rashes, asthma, fatigue and headaches.
How will you know if you have mould? If you smell something musty or see patches of discoloration with staining or fuzzy growth, you probably have mould. Expensive mould testing doesn’t always need to be done. The Minnesota Health Department advises: "If you see or smell mould, you don’t need to test for it; clean it up instead."
Stay away from bleach
Our first instinct to bring out the chlorine to disinfect and kill mould. But a study conducted by Professor Jeffrey Morrell, Dept. of Wood Science, Oregon State University found that bleach "doesn’t eliminate the surface micro flora." It doesn’t kill the roots of the mould, only bleaches it so we think it’s been cleaned away, when it hasn't. So not only is it ineffectual, its fumes are harmful to both humans and the environment.
Alternatives
A mixture of 56 grams (two ounces) of borax and one quarter litre (one cup) of white vinegar can be sprayed on the mould. Leave it sit for up to 60 minutes and then wipe the area. The mixture will prevent mould from growing back.
There are also several new products out on the market that are natural mould suppressants. Concrobium is a non-toxic anti-mould product available at The Home Depot that is quite effective.
Liam McCann is a Toronto writer grateful for his dry basement
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