Dry wet items completely. Absorbent materials such as carpet and ceiling tiles may have to be thrown away. Call a professional if the water was sewage or contaminated, or if mold covers more than about 10 square feet.
Why it matters
Standing water and wet materials can harbor viruses, bacteria and mold. Failing to remove contaminated materials and reduce moisture can pose serious long-term health risks, according to the EPA.
Dry and discard
Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible, and dry all items completely. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy, because mold can be difficult or impossible to fully remove from them. The CDC says to throw away items that absorbed water, such as rugs, mattresses and stuffed animals, and to open doors and windows to air out the home before spending time indoors.
Hard surfaces
Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, then dry completely. Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces. Clean and dry them first.
Protect yourself
The CDC says to put on an N95 respirator, goggles and protective gloves before you start cleaning mold. It says hard surfaces can be cleaned with household cleaners or soap and warm water, or with a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water, and that you should never mix bleach with any other cleaner.
When to call a professional
If the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet, you can usually handle the job yourself. If there is a lot of water damage or mold covers more than 10 square feet, consult the EPA guide for larger buildings. If the water was sewage or other contaminated water, call a professional experienced with that damage. If you have health concerns, consult a health professional before you start.
Heating and cooling systems
Do not run the HVAC system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with mold. The CDC says to have the heating and cooling system checked and cleaned by an experienced professional before you turn it on after a flood.
Before you clean
Contact your insurance company and photograph damage before you clean. See our guide on insurance and FEMA help, and our guide on returning home safely.
What this guide does not cover
The pages we used do not give a drying time limit, so we do not give one. Follow your local health department.
Check your own location
See current official alerts and the impact for your ZIP code.
Sources
- EPA: Mold cleanup in your home
- CDC: Reentering Your Flooded Home
- CDC: Returning Home After a Natural Disaster
Reviewed by the Storm Incoming editorial team on October 26, 2026. Follow local emergency officials if their instructions differ.