When it comes to the chemical part of the job, disaster remediation and restoration projects can be reliably evaluated by considering the “Clean, Kill, Coat” approach. For restoration professionals, applying the right product technologies, like botanical cleaners and disinfectants, can add further value to your services.
Severe weather events are on the rise. Look no further than the most recent Atlantic hurricane season, which saw several major storms rip through the American Southeast, leading to record flooding in several locations.
The potential water damage resulting from storms like these can have long-lasting negative impacts on interior spaces, leaving restoration and remediation professionals with a critical role to play in the wake of extreme weather. Proper water cleanup and mold prevention techniques are required to mitigate mold growth, contamination, and the significant health risks associated with each. Prompt, professional remediation work is essential.
To those ends, it’s important that professionals stay educated on the most effective methods for water (or other) remediation jobs. One such method is the Clean, Kill, Coat process, a proven strategy developed by the ICP Group. Simultaneously, remediation professionals must take care to utilize the most effective tools at their disposal to execute the method—and today, with sustainability top of mind, there’s more reason than ever to look toward chemical alternatives like EPA-registered botanical disinfectants. Here’s a closer look at the stakes of remediation efforts, how to apply the Clean, Kill, Coat method, and some critical considerations to make concerning product selection.
The Stakes of Water Remediation
First and foremost, water damage remediation efforts should typically begin with a thorough assessment of the situation and water removal. It’s important to understand the type of water that has caused the damage.
Water in these kinds of scenarios is commonly classified into three categories. Category 1 water does not pose a significant threat and is typically thought of as “clean” water. It usually corresponds with water damage from a water supply line. Category 2 water, or “grey” water, carries microorganisms. This category includes toilet water, sump pump water, or discharge from dishwashers or washing machines. Category 3 water, or “black” water, is classified as highly unsanitary and can threaten health. It typically results from major flooding or storm events and may include water from sewage sources, seawater, or standing water. Category 3 water is assumed to contain harmful contaminants, including West Nile virus, E. coli, Salmonella, and tetanus. When in doubt, reference the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Standard of Care, which describes the procedures to be followed and the precautions to be taken when performing water damage restoration in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings.
In any of these scenarios, but especially for Category 2 and 3 jobs, it is therefore essential to deploy the proper methods and products for cleanup, decontamination, and mold elimination and prevention. The health and safety of inhabitants depend on it.
Clean, Kill, Coat
An effective method that water remediation professionals can follow to ensure that contamination threats have been eliminated and that the potential for mold regrowth has been mitigated is fairly simple. Once water has been removed from the impacted area and appropriate drying standards have been met, the process involves three steps: Clean, Kill, and Coat.
Clean. As the first step in this part of the process, an interior that has experienced significant water damage must be thoroughly cleaned. Flooring and ceiling panels can be saved by using the right cleaning products. However, such work must be performed within 48-72 hours of initial water exposure—following that window, it is typically necessary to remove damaged materials because of mold growth. In such cases, there are many cleaners available to the contractor, such as heavy-duty degreasers, hydrogen peroxide-based products, and mold stain removers. A good cleaner or combination of cleaners should be able to aggressively target debris and stains from porous, semi-porous, and nonporous materials.
Kill. Cleaning removes debris and stains from the affected surfaces—it does not eliminate pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, mold, or mildew spores. This is what makes the “Kill” step so important because it involves treating the affected areas with a disinfectant to eliminate potential contamination.
Even if surfaces appear to be free of stains, lingering mold, and mildew spores can cause health risks for inhabitants later on. Utilizing an appropriate EPA-registered disinfectant to perform this part of the process is critical. Remember that if you are using a concentrated disinfectant, you must mix the product with water from a clean supply. This is important because, for water remediation jobs following a major flood or other devastating weather event, it is not always guaranteed that your first available water supply will be clean.
Coat. After you’ve eliminated lingering microbial threats, surfaces can be treated with a final mold-resistant coating that inhibits mold growth. Mold-resistant coatings help to create a surface that is inhospitable for new mold growth in the future. As a final layer of protection, this type of coating can offer peace of mind to occupants and property managers long after your work has been completed.
Selecting Effective Products
Choosing the right cleaners, disinfectants, and mold-resistant coatings is an essential part of effectively combating the potential harm caused by significant water damage to a home or occupancy.
There are many considerations to make here, including understanding the regulations around some of the products. Disinfectants, for example, must be registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Such EPA-registered products must include hospital disinfectant efficacy as well as general fungicide efficacy. Independent testing certification is another qualification you can look for when choosing a mold-resistant coating. ASTM has specific tests (ASTM D3273-16 and ASTM G21) for mold-resistant coatings that can help guide you in your choice of products.
Elsewhere, as demand for greener and more environmentally friendly solutions grows, remediation professionals have an opportunity to further diversify with the right products. Botanical cleaners and disinfectants, which are made from purely plant-derived ingredients, can be a good option here. But be wary: a majority of cleaners and disinfectants marketed as “botanical” aren’t truly botanical, and will often contain synthetics as a part of their formulation. For remediation professionals looking to differentiate, seek out products that are authentically botanical, with active ingredients that come directly from plants, and harness the natural antimicrobial properties of certain plants to effectively disinfect surfaces.
There are some specific benefits to using botanical solutions for hurricane remediation efforts, too. A few of them include:
- Reduced toxicity exposure: For the contractor doing the cleanup work and for the occupant, using a product that will pose no health risks can be very important. By virtue of remediation work, contractors and occupants have already potentially been exposed to numerous pathogens—so why risk the additional exposure to a chemical burden when it is not necessary? Authentically botanical disinfectants pose no risk if inhaled, ingested, or come in contact with skin or eyes. A simple way to verify if a product is authentically botanical is through the USDA’s BioPreferred Program. This program includes third-party lab testing of products to quantify how biobased (from a plant) a product is. Some botanical products are as low as 18% biobased, while others are 100%.
- Greater material compatibility: Traditional disinfectants have the potential to corrode metal fixtures and damage wood, paint, and other common building materials. Botanical-based products are typically less corrosive, making them ideal for repeated applications without harming surfaces, which is often necessary for extensive post-flood cleanups. An important consideration when applying disinfectants in an open space where there may be exposed CPVC piping is if that product is certified in the FBC™ System Compatible Program. This program tests products, such as disinfectants and coatings, to make sure they will not compromise CPVC material. Authentically botanical disinfectants (those that are certified as 100% biobased in the USDA Program) are certified in the Lubrizol FBC™ System Compatible Program.
When in doubt, you can always consult with your product supplier to select appropriate products for water remediation work and verify product performance.
Kelly MacMillan-Versluis
Kelly MacMillan-Versluis serves as the Sales Director for ICP Group, which offers professionals high-quality, professional-use disinfection solutions. These include Benefect®, a sustainable, naturally derived antimicrobial and cleaning product. Learn more at www.Fiberlock.com, www.Benefect.com, and www.ICPGroup.com.
Related Posts
