Guides · Updated September 20, 2026
The Short Answer
The EPA says it is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth. In a Florida home that window is short, because the air is already humid. Stop the water, document the damage, start drying right away, and check the places water hides once the surface looks dry.
First: Stop The Water And Stay Safe
Shut off the supply if a pipe or an appliance is the source. If water has reached outlets, appliances or the electrical panel, keep the power off in that area until an electrician says it is safe. If the water came from sewage or another contaminated source, the EPA advises calling a professional with experience in contaminated water rather than handling it yourself.
Second: Document Before You Move Things
Take photos and video of everything wet before you start cleaning up: the source, the rooms, the contents and the water line on the walls. Note the date and time. If you are going to make an insurance claim, call your carrier early and ask what they need from you.
Third: Start Drying Immediately
Remove standing water. Run the air conditioning, fans and dehumidifiers. Pull wet rugs, cushions and cardboard out of the space, because porous materials hold water the longest. The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity below 60 percent, ideally between 30 and 50 percent.
Fourth: Check Where Water Hides
A floor that looks dry can sit on top of a wall that is not. These are the places that stay wet after the surface recovers:
- 01The bottom few inches of drywall and the back of baseboards.
- 02Inside base cabinets and the wall behind them.
- 03Under vinyl, laminate and engineered wood flooring.
- 04The air handler closet and the ceiling below an attic air handler.
- 05Wall cavities below windows that took wind-driven rain.
When To Bring In A Professional
The EPA's rule of thumb is that a moldy area smaller than about 10 square feet is something most people can handle themselves. Larger than that, or if materials stayed wet for more than 48 hours, or if a musty smell remains after everything looks dry, get the building assessed.
A moisture map shows what is still wet behind finished surfaces, and the written report supports an insurance claim. Mold Shark locates and documents the moisture. We do not perform dry-out, repairs or remediation.
