What to Do After a Flood or Leak to Prevent Mould in Your Home

A cautionary tale

Amy* was out of her house when the fridge water pipe burst, filling the kitchen and living area with 100mm of water. When she returned, the family did the right things. Drained the water away. Dried out the area. Contacted their insurer. And while they were quick to respond, over the coming weeks, they not only had damaged floorboards, cabinets and plasterboard, but they experienced an outbreak of mould that delayed their insurance remediation works significantly.

Why speed matters

When your home is affected by a flood, burst pipe or significant water leak, it can feel overwhelming. There’s the mess to clean up, the damage to assess, and a million decisions to make. But one thing is critical to remember: mould doesn’t wait. It can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours after water exposure. That means the actions you take in the first few hours and days are vital — not just for preserving your belongings, but for protecting your health and your home.

Start drying immediately

The most important thing you can do is act quickly. As soon as it’s safe to enter your property, begin the process of removing water and drying out the space. Mould thrives in damp, humid conditions, especially when moisture lingers in soft furnishings, flooring and wall cavities. The faster you can reduce humidity and increase ventilation, the more likely you are to stop mould before it takes hold.

Call your insurer early

Before you begin any clean-up, contact your insurance provider. This step is often overlooked in the rush to fix things, but it’s essential. Many insurers will cover professional water damage remediation, which can include industrial drying equipment, moisture assessments and mould treatment. Involving them early helps you get the right support and avoids complications with your claim down the track.

Get the water out

Once you’ve spoken with your insurer and it’s safe to do so, start getting water out of the house. Use pumps, wet vacuums or mops to remove standing water, and open doors and windows to create airflow. If you have access to fans or dehumidifiers, get them running as soon as possible. The goal is to get everything dry — not just what you can see, but also what might be hidden beneath floorboards, behind skirting or inside walls.

Know what you can save

Soft furnishings like carpets, rugs, cushions and mattresses are particularly vulnerable. They can retain moisture even after the surface feels dry. If they can’t be completely cleaned and dried within 48 hours, they may need to be thrown away. It’s a hard call, but keeping damp items can lead to a serious mould problem that spreads throughout the house.

Clean and disinfect thoroughly

Cleaning and disinfecting is another key step. Even once things are dry, surfaces that were in contact with floodwater or grey water need to be cleaned thoroughly. Use a gentle detergent or diluted vinegar solution on hard surfaces to reduce the risk of mould spores growing. Keep checking for musty smells or signs of moisture returning — these are signs that the drying process might not be complete.

Bring in professionals if needed

If the water damage was significant or lasted more than a day or two before being addressed, it’s worth bringing in professionals. Mould can grow in hidden areas, and trained remediation specialists have the tools to assess what you can’t see. They can help ensure the space is genuinely dry and safe to occupy, giving you peace of mind as you begin repairs.

Protect your home and your health

Responding quickly doesn’t just save money — it protects your home, your health and your future peace of mind. The sooner you act, the more control you’ll have over the outcome.

Need temporary accommodation?

Boutique has experience in accommodating families during insurance building claims in high-quality, child and pet friendly properties across Sydney. Contact us now to discuss your accommodation needs during your home insurance claim.