Consider the calm after the storm: clearing skies, gentle breezes, and, unfortunately, the realization that the wind and rain left behind a mess that you’re now responsible for cleaning up. We aren’t talking about fallen trees and blown away trash bins, either. We’re talking about the kind of mess a storm can expose inside your house.
With experts anticipating that 2025 will be a busier-than-average season for hurricanes and heavy storms, it’s time to consider the hidden health hazards of a flooded home. Maid Brigade’s no. 1 recommendation? Professional, non-toxing cleaning solutions designed to keep your home healthy, beautiful, and safe for visitors and family alike.
Storm Recovery 101: What to Watch For After the Rain Clears
When the skies clear, many homeowners breathe a sigh of relief only to discover that the real storm damage has occurred inside. Storms, especially hurricanes and tropical systems, can compromise your home’s cleanliness and safety in ways that aren’t always visible right away. From contaminated floodwater to dangerous air quality issues, the aftermath of a storm can bring serious health risks indoors.
Here’s what to watch for and how to protect your family in the days and weeks following a major weather event:
Mold
Flooding or even high humidity after a storm creates the perfect breeding ground for mold, which can start growing within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure. Mold spores thrive in damp environments and can quickly spread through drywall, carpets, baseboards, and HVAC systems, often before you even realize it’s there.
Why it matters: Mold isn’t just unsightly. It can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems, especially in children, the elderly, and anyone with a compromised immune system.
How to handle it: If your home has sustained water damage, it’s crucial to dry out affected areas immediately. But don’t stop there! Maid Brigade’s non-toxic cleaning solutions can help remove mold spores from surfaces safely, without harsh chemicals that make breathing problems worse. For extensive damage, a professional mold remediation team may be necessary.
Dangerous Flood Water
That murky water in your basement or kitchen? It could contain more than just rain. A flooded home often contains bacteria, sewage, pesticides, and other hazardous substances, especially if it has pooled near storm drains, septic systems, or industrial areas.
Why it matters: Coming into contact with contaminated water can lead to skin infections, gastrointestinal issues, or worse. Even after the water is gone, the surfaces it touched may be teeming with bacteria.How to handle it: Always wear gloves and boots when cleaning up after a flood, and avoid letting children or pets into affected areas. Once standing water is removed, deep-clean all surfaces with a disinfectant, but be wary of bleach-based products, which can create harmful fumes in enclosed spaces. Maid Brigade’s cleaning experts use safe, hospital-grade solutions that are tough on germs but gentle on your home.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
When power outages follow a storm, many homeowners turn to portable generators for electricity. But if used improperly, generators can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (CO): an odorless, colorless gas that can be fatal within minutes.
Why it matters: CO poisoning can cause headaches, nausea, confusion, and dizziness. In high doses, it can be deadly. Tragically, many carbon monoxide incidents after storms are preventable.
How to handle it: Never run a generator indoors or in a closed garage. Always keep it at least 20 feet away from your home, with the exhaust directed away from windows and doors. Be sure to install battery-operated CO detectors on every level of your home and test them regularly. While this doesn’t fall under our cleaning purview, we care about your whole-home safety. Awareness is the first step toward prevention.
Stay Safe, Stay Prepared
Storm recovery is about reclaiming your home as a safe, healthy space. That’s why Maid Brigade takes a non-toxic, science-backed approach to cleaning, helping homeowners bounce back from storm damage without adding harmful chemicals to the mix.
If your home has been impacted by a recent storm, don’t go it alone. Let our experienced team help you restore peace of mind with a thorough, eco-conscious clean. We’re here when you need us because a safer, healthier home is always worth it.
Need Help Cleaning Up After a Storm? We’re Here
Whether you’re dealing with post-storm mess or simply want to refresh your home with a healthy, non-toxic clean, Maid Brigade is here to help. From deep cleaning and sanitizing to routine weekly or biweekly service, we offer expert cleaning solutions designed around your family’s safety and comfort. Let us take cleaning off your plate so you can breathe easier, relax more, and enjoy the peace of a well-cared-for home. Book your first cleaning today!
